Semenyo inspires Bournemouth to victory over Brighton

Antoine Semenyo delivered a decisive performance as Bournemouth defeated Brighton 2-1 in the Premier League, scoring once and assisting the other.

Alex Scott opened the scoring with his first league goal since December 2023, before Kaoru Mitoma equalised for the visitors. Semenyo then restored the Cherries’ advantage from the penalty spot to secure the win.

Andoni Iraola’s side handed a surprise debut to 18-year-old Veljko Milosavljevic, their transfer deadline-day signing, who stepped in with centre-back Bafodé Diakité sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Brighton’s 39-year-old James Milner started in place of Carlos Baleba at the other end of the age spectrum.

The Seagulls were forced into an early substitution when Jack Hinshelwood limped off following a heavy challenge with Evanilson on the halfway line. Bournemouth soon capitalised on their dominance, taking a deserved lead in the 18th minute.

Semenyo controlled the ball superbly before laying it off to Scott, who drove a precise left-footed strike into the far corner from outside the penalty area.

Brighton’s injury woes deepened when Maxim de Cuyper was forced off after colliding with the advertising boards under pressure from Semenyo, with Ferdi Kadioglu coming on in his place.

The Cherries continued to dictate the tempo, with David Brooks seeing a shot blocked and Evanilson heading narrowly over from Adrien Truffert’s cross. Semenyo then surged into the box but dragged his effort wide under pressure from Kadioglu.

Brighton’s first meaningful chance arrived five minutes before half-time when Yankuba Minteh burst down the right and forced Djordje Petrovic into a sharp save at his near post. Evanilson then squandered another opportunity in stoppage time, heading straight into the hands of Bart Verbruggen.

The Seagulls levelled just three minutes after the restart. Minteh delivered a teasing cross from the right, and Mitoma rose highest at the far post to nod home. The equaliser shifted momentum, with Minteh flashing a deflected shot into the side-netting and Danny Welbeck volleying narrowly wide following a corner.

However, Bournemouth regained control when referee Peter Bankes awarded a penalty in the 61st minute after Jan Paul van Hecke clumsily fouled Evanilson. Semenyo kept his composure, rolling the ball calmly down the centre as Verbruggen dived, notching his third goal of the season.

Brighton’s hopes of a late response faded, with Baleba blasting high over the bar in their best chance to salvage a point they scarcely deserved.