Antoine Semenyo delivered a spectacular conclusion to what appears set to be his final appearance for Bournemouth, striking deep into stoppage time to secure a thrilling victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo delivered a spectacular conclusion to what appears set to be his final appearance for Bournemouth, striking deep into stoppage time to secure a thrilling victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium.
With the score locked at 2-2, the Ghana international collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed an unstoppable effort beyond Djordje Petrovic, finally ending the Cherries’ long wait for a league win.
The decisive moment came in the 95th minute and capped a dramatic evening that lifted Bournemouth to 27 points from 21 matches, leaving them just one point behind Spurs in the table.
Tottenham could not have asked for a better opening, as Mathys Tel put them ahead inside five minutes. A clever backheel from the returning Xavi Simons released the winger down the left, and he surged past James Hill before slotting a low finish into the corner.
That advantage did not last long. Evanilson restored parity after 22 minutes, rising to meet Marcus Tavernier’s delivery and powering a header past Petrovic to ignite the home support.
Bournemouth then seized control before the interval. Tavernier again found freedom on the right flank, his cross was eventually cut back by Marcos Senesi for Eli Junior Kroupi, who calmly netted his seventh goal of the campaign in the 36th minute.
The second half brought chances and controversy in equal measure. Richarlison came close soon after his introduction, seeing a header strike the frame of the goal from a corner.
Moments later, referee Darren England initially awarded Tottenham a penalty following Micky van de Ven’s driving run, but video review overturned the call, with the contact judged insufficient.
Spurs eventually equalised in the 78th minute when a defensive header from Senesi dropped kindly for Palhinha, who produced an acrobatic overhead kick that left Petrovic helpless.
Just when it seemed the visitors might escape with a draw, Semenyo stepped forward. Linking with David Brooks outside the area, he bent a precise strike beyond the goalkeeper to spark scenes of celebration in the closing seconds.
Immediately substituted, the winger soaked in a standing ovation and remained on the pitch after the final whistle, acknowledging the supporters as he prepared for a likely move to Manchester City, who are set to activate his £65m release clause.
For Tottenham, the defeat intensified scrutiny on head coach Thomas Frank. Despite flashes of promise and Palhinha’s late leveller, defensive frailties and limited threat in attack again proved costly, leaving the north London side searching for answers.
