Outstanding Antoine Semenyo Propels Bournemouth to Unbelievable Levels

Bournemouth followers likely worried about the worst when a significant number of first-team stars departed in the off-season.

However retaining Antoine Semenyo proved an absolute masterstroke, as the Ghanaian winger has inspired their climb to the runner-up position in the top flight.

Semenyo found the net twice and provided one as Bournemouth overturned a deficit to defeat Fulham 3-1 on the weekend, climbing to within a single point of Premier League leaders the Reds.

The opening strike to level the scores was special as he collected the ball on the flank, left opponents behind, advanced to the byeline and fired the ball past Bernd Leno's legs from a tight angle.

Subsequently, he assisted Justin Kluivert's goal before netting in stoppage time on a fast break.

That brings him up to six Premier League goals this season, second only to Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland.

From the beginning of May, he has been directly involved in more goals than any other player in the Premier League (12 – eight goals, 4 assists).

Impressive for a talent Bristol City picked up from the local academy at the age of 17.

"It was a hard night to play football, but it didn't matter to him," remarked ex-England player the pundit on television.

"He just glides across that pitch. An amazing, special talent. So wonderful to see.

"It makes no difference if it's right foot, left foot, makes no difference for him."

Semenyo in Flying Form

Although nearly 50% of Bournemouth's starting lineup left during the summer, the forward was rumored with transfers to United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

However in the end he signed a long-term contract back on 1 July.

This has turned out to be fantastic business for the Cherries, for he is among the form footballers in the league right now.

In the previous campaign, the 25-year-old attacker reached 10+ goals for the first time in his professional life – eleven goals in the Premier League, 13 in all competitions.

This season, he has scored six goals in his opening seven Premier League matches and set up three more.

He was questioned following the game if this was the best performance of his career.

"Yes, I'd say so," he responded. "I'm grateful to God massively. He has had a huge part in my journey and I'm just enjoying the benefits now. So yeah, I appreciate him always."

There will be teams regretting they had taken the risk on him earlier.

The player qualifies for the Black Stars through his father, but he is from London. He was rejected by Arsenal, Spurs and Millwall as a teenager before landing in a regional academy managed by former United and Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday.

Bristol City acquired him in 2017, but he needed temporary moves at City, Newport and the Black Cats before securing a place in the Bristol City first team in 2020-21.

In January 2023, he made the multi-million pound transfer to the Cherries – and he has been progressing ever since.

"I think he is a player with self-belief," said manager Andoni Iraola.

"It has been increasing with him. He has featured in different leagues, earning his way into the Premier League. He is extremely important for us."

His numbers are through the roof now. He is first in the league for duels won, first for ball won in the attacking area, runner-up for sprints and top five for dribbles. Plus his goals, of course.

Fellow player Kluivert said: "He is incredible. He shows it each match now. He is just world class."

'Iraola Could Coach Every Club'

Bournemouth boss Iraola will be a manager in high demand when he chooses to move on.

He, a Basque coach, has been in charge since last year after the unexpected dismissal of Gary O'Neil.

Several were not happy initially, with Iraola not being a well-known figure – and having only managed Cyprus, Spain and La Liga.

However the hiring has been a remarkable success, with the team ending up 12th and then ninth.

The club has not been as high as second place in the Premier League more than two matches into a campaign.

In addition to his impressive work in sustaining a successful squad, even when it appeared all their key players were leaving in the off-season, his tactics were perfect on Friday.

For six minutes he had three backline players on the pitch instead of four. And that turned the game.

Late in the game he brought on a attacker for a defender. They were 1-0 behind.

Soon after, he substituted a winger for a defender. The team was 2-1 up.

"It was necessary to take risks and introduce more offensive personnel and it paid off," he explained. "Our squad have to make the impact and in this match they delivered it."

Kluivert said: "He is fantastic. If you consider even the players that have departed the club, how we are performing now is incredible.

"I always say that the driver of the team is the manager and he is guiding us on a amazing route. Brilliant driver, so we follow him."

Redknapp said: "Iraola can coach any club in the sport.

"He develops individuals, all they do is thrilling. They have to appreciate him while he is with them. How long? It's uncertain?

"Is it possible for them to keep doing the impossible, like reaching the top six? They deserve it and everything is possible as long as they keep the manager because he is that big an advantage for the team."

Cherries Take Summer Overhaul in Their Step

Many felt that the Cherries exceeded expectations when they ended in ninth place the previous campaign – and for a period there was even talk of Europe.

And then three of their back four – Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Huijsen – departed for some of Europe's top clubs for nearly £150m.

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