Andoni Iraola’s AFC Bournemouth secured their third consecutive Premier League (PL) victory with a spirited 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Vitality Stadium. This marks the Cherries’ first three-game winning streak in the league since December 2024, showing that Iraola’s men are no longer relegation contenders but instead pushing towards the upper echelons of the table.
First-Half Drama: Injuries Shift the Balance
Brighton, fresh from an impressive victory over Manchester City, was dealt an early setback when Jack Hinshelwood was forced off following a clash with Evanilson. That injury disrupted Brighton’s rhythm, and Bournemouth quickly pounced on the opportunity.
Antoine Semenyo demonstrated excellent control before teeing up Alex Scott, who calmly slotted past Bart Verbruggen to give the hosts the lead. Brighton’s woes deepened when Maxim De Cuyper limped off after colliding with the advertising boards, forcing manager Fabian Hürzeler into a second early substitution.
Mitoma’s Equaliser Sparks Hope
The Seagulls are well-known for their post-halftime resurgence, and true to form, Kaoru Mitoma headed home just four minutes into the second half. That goal lifted Brighton’s spirits, and they nearly turned the game around when Danny Welbeck came close, but his effort fizzed just wide.
For a brief spell, it looked like the visitors would complete the comeback.
Semenyo Delivers the Knockout Blow
Bournemouth wrestled back control when Jan Paul van Hecke fouled Evanilson inside the box, handing the Cherries a golden opportunity. Up stepped Antoine Semenyo, who made no mistake from the penalty spot, netting his third PL goal of the season.
Despite further chances from Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, and Amine Adli, Bournemouth couldn’t add to their tally, but Semenyo’s strike proved enough to seal a memorable win.
What It Means for the Premier League Table
This victory propels Bournemouth into the provisional top four, a position few would have predicted at the start of the season. For Kenyan football fans, who watch the EPL every weekend, Bournemouth’s rise under Iraola is a classic underdog story worth celebrating.
Brighton, on the other hand, will be disappointed by their missed opportunities and now face back-to-back away defeats. Their struggle to maintain consistency away from home could cost them a spot in the European competition.
Key Takeaways for Kenyan Fans
- Antoine Semenyo’s star is rising – his goal and assist show he’s becoming Bournemouth’s talisman.
- Bournemouth are defying expectations – instead of fighting relegation, they are now mixing it with England’s elite.
- Brighton’s depth is being tested – injuries to key players are beginning to take a toll.
For Kenyan EPL fans who pack sports pubs every weekend, this was another thrilling reminder of why the Premier League remains the most unpredictable football league in the world.
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Conclusion
Bournemouth’s 2-1 triumph over Brighton is not just a win; it’s a statement of intent. Iraola’s side is proving that resilience, clever tactics, and self-belief can overturn preseason predictions. For Brighton, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to regain momentum.
For fans across Kenya, this game was another perfect example of why the Premier League delivers drama like no other.
