Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo said the Cherries deserve a shot on European football after his first -minute goal was good enough to see Off Fulham.
The Cherries are on the right track for their best Premier League season and are up to eighth place – just seven points from a top five and six behind Aston Villa in seventh.
With the top five of the Premier League guaranteed a place in the Champions League next year, the eighth could be sufficient for a place of qualification of the conference league, as long as the champions of the Newcastle League Cup and the winners of the FA Cup finished in the top seven.
Semenyo said: “Throughout the season, we crushed and beat the six best teams. This small phase that we cross, losing and drawing, each team goes through this, but that is why this victory is so important.
“I have the impression that with what we have done this year, we definitely deserve the European places.”
“It can’t happen … You can’t defend like that. It’s impossible.” ❌
Thierry Henry and @ Carra23 Analyze the winner of Semenyo against Fulham 🔍 pic.twitter.com/u2yuap6eh5
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) April 14, 2025
Manager Andoni Iraola was impressed by his team because they have won at home for the first time since January.
Evanilson should have added to the first strike from Semenyo, but the hosts had to dig and defend themselves that Fulham directed him the second half.
Iraola told Sky Sports: “I am very, very satisfied with the performance. I think we needed this performance, defending our own box, clearances, blocks, bases, set.
“Finishing with a white leaf is so precious because normally, when we create chances, we score goals, it is defensively where we missed something in recent games and today we were very good.
Bournemouth Leapfrog Fulham and move into the first eight 📈#Bouful pic.twitter.com/r7sujsgzvo
– Premier League (@premierleague) April 14, 2025
“We knew that Fulham is very good on the ball. During the first 55 to 60 minutes, we pressed very well, but in the end, you will always suffer. We had to concede a little the territory, go more compact and defend the box and face the crosses.
“This victory arrives in the ideal moment for us. Next week, we have another of these games against Crystal Palace, like Fulham, they play very well, so get well and arrive in a good place.
“The classification has been very close in recent months, so each result will be essential.”
