Substitute Justin Kluivert bagged a late winner as Bournemouth beat shot-shy Crystal Palace 1-0 to claim a third straight win and fourth in five matches.
The game was played in torrential rain and swirling winds, which made it difficult for either side to get the ball down and play.
Palace thought they had taken the lead in first-half stoppage time when Eberechi Eze fired home at the far post via a deflection but their celebrations were cut short after a VAR review deemed Mateta was just offside in the build-up to the goal.
Palace’s stubborn resistance was finally broken in the 79th minute when Semenyo got the better of David Ozoh down the right wing before cutting the ball back for fellow substitute Kluivert to rifle home from 12 yards.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth ran out 1-0 winners over Crystal Palace in this Premier League tie. Kluivert’s winning strike stretches their unbeaten run to five games, while it condemned Palace to their fourth game without a win. Iraola’s side took control of proceedings midway through the first half. The Cherries should have entered the break in the lead but for a superb Henderson save from a Biling header and Kelly failing to get his header in target. While only for Mateta being in an offside position in the build up to an Eze goal on the stroke of half time Palace would have entered the interval in front against the run of play. Both sides struggled to create chances in the second half before the deadlock was broken in the 79th minute by a Kluivert strike. Semenyo proved to be the difference as he was a dangerous weapon utilised expertly in the Bournemouth attack, getting the assist for the goal. Bournemouth truly deserved their victory as they limited Palace to only three attempts all game, the lowest they have had in the Premier League all season, while they had 11 attempts. And this dominance was also felt in the xG of Bournemouth as they had an xG of 1.22 compared to the Eagle’s xG of 0.11. Palace now have a tricky fixture against Manchester City next while Bournemouth will look to continue their impressive form against Luton Town.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
FULL-TIME! Bournemouth 1-0 CRSYTAL PALACE
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Semenyo has been phenominal since his introduction at half time. And his toying of the Palace defence while holding possession in the corner of the pitch demonstrated this, the winger was the game changer having earned the assist for the goal.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Palace are throwing everything at the Bournemouth goal as the time edges closer to the final whistle.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Henderson with a fantastic save to keep the visitors in the tie. Kluivert cut inside onto his right foot near the edge of penalty area and struck towards goal. But he was not able to double his tally or the lead.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Yellow Card Lloyd Casius Kelly
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Eze went down under another challenge in the Bournemouth box, and once again the Eagle’s players were calling for a penalty. But nothing was given again.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Calls for a Penalty! This is the call from the Palace team as Schlupp went to strike the ball but kicked the Bournemouth defender. The player went down and the Eagle’s players are asking the referee to point to the spot. VAR checked the incident, but it was determined to be happy with the onfield decision.
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Substitution Adam James Smith Maximillian James Aarons
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Substitution Dominic Ayodele Solanke-Mitchell Enes Ünal
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