Bournemouth secured a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Vitality Stadium, with goals from Alex Scott and Antoine Semenyo proving the difference in a match marked by early injuries and scrappy play.
The hosts took the lead in the first half through an impressive strike from midfielder Alex Scott. After collecting a ball from Semenyo on the edge of the box, Scott turned and fired a low shot into the near post. Brighton’s half was further complicated by early injuries to Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim de Cuyper, disrupting their rhythm and momentum.
The Seagulls responded immediately after the break. Kaoru Mitoma, unmarked at the back post, leveled the score with a header from a Yankuba Minteh cross. However, Brighton’s sloppiness resurfaced shortly after, as a foul on Evanilson by Jan Paul van Hecke in the box resulted in a penalty. Antoine Semenyo stepped up and coolly slotted home to restore Bournemouth’s lead.
Despite an improved second-half display, Brighton was unable to find another equalizer as Bournemouth’s defense held firm to see out the win.
While the performance was far from perfect, Bournemouth’s superior quality was evident throughout the match. Full-back Adrien Truffert was a standout, showing impressive energy on the left flank both in defense and attack. Antoine Semenyo was a creative force, while new central defender Veljko Milosavljevic added a tangible sense of solidity to the backline.
The victory showcased Bournemouth’s well-drilled nature under manager Andoni Iraola, who will be pleased with his team’s ability to grind out a win even when not at their free-flowing best.
For Brighton, the defeat was a result of a disjointed display. The early injuries were a significant setback, and the team struggled to maintain any consistent pressure. The penalty, which stemmed from a misplaced pass by Lewis Dunk, was a microcosm of their frustrating afternoon. Despite the tireless efforts of winger Yankuba Minteh, positive takeaways for manager Fabian Hürzeler were few.
Bournemouth will host Newcastle United in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday, September 21. Brighton will return home to the Amex Stadium to face Tottenham on Saturday, September 20.
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