Premier League: Early Semenyo goal revives Bournemouth's push for UEFA spot

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. Photo Credit: AFC Bournemouth

Torrid form at the turn of the new year gave way to a slump but Bournemouth moved back into the English Premier League's top eight on Monday with a 1-0 home victory over Fulham.

Ghana national team forward Antoine Semenyo's left-footed finish in the opening minute was all the hosts needed. The 25-year-old took advantage of a lapse in concentration from Fulham left back Antonee Robinson to make the difference and boost Bournemouth's prospects of European footballl next season.

Bournemouth leap past Fulham on the table to 8th place with the result, level on 48 points but with a superior goal difference. With six matches remaining, there remains plenty of work to do but the Cherries are six points back of both Aston Villa and Chelsea. A 7th place finish would see Bournemouth qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League while Chelsea sit in the final UEFA Europa League spot.

Semenyo's performance appears to be a good barometer of how Bournemouth's results will go. Monday's goal snapped a nine-match scoring drought for the Ghana forward who was in hot form during their twelve-match unbeaten run earlier this campaign. He has 10 goals and 5 assists in 34 matches across all competitions.