By Bradley Shahenza
Bournemouth’s rise to second place in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable — and much of it is owed to one man: Antoine Semenyo.
On Friday night, the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger delivered a dazzling performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as Bournemouth fought back to beat Fulham 3-1. The victory moved Andoni Iraola’s side to within just one point of league leaders Liverpool, defying pre-season expectations after the club saw £200 million worth of talent depart in the summer.
Semenyo’s first goal, a solo equaliser, was breathtaking. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he weaved past defenders with ease, drove to the byline, and slipped the ball through goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s legs from a tight angle. He later set up Justin Kluivert to put Bournemouth ahead, before finishing the job in stoppage time with a composed counter-attack strike.
That brace lifted his tally to six league goals, a total bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland this season. Since May, no Premier League player has had a greater direct involvement in goals — Semenyo boasting 12 contributions(eight goals and four assists).
It is an extraordinary trajectory for a player who began his career at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College before joining Bristol City. Now, he is spearheading Bournemouth’s improbable title challenge.
“It was a hard, stormy night to play football but it didn’t matter to Semenyo,” said former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports. “He just glides across that surface. An incredible, unique talent. Doesn’t matter if it’s right foot, left foot, makes no difference for him.”
For Bournemouth fans, keeping hold of Semenyo now looks like the club’s most valuable summer decision one that has lifted them to “unthinkable” heights.
