Bournemouth

Tom Jordan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

We're now into the final month of the league season and Bournemouth fans are STILL dreaming of Europe. It feels a tall order, but whichever way you look at it, the Cherries have had a phenomenal season.

It looks as if Bournemouth are competing with Fulham, Brighton and Brentford for that final European spot, albeit this may change depending on whether Crystal Palace can surprise Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

There are plenty of differences in this campaign in the way Bournemouth have gone about things, but what could be key is their healthy goal difference. Before this season, the club's best ever goal difference in a Premier League season was minus 12. Currently, they sit on plus 13 with three to play!

It's a sizable turnaround for the Cherries, so what's changed?

Bournemouth will rarely be described as a "defensive unit" under Andoni Iraola, but the improvement in defensive numbers has been evident throughout. However, it is because the side have been offensively aggressive and playing on the front foot, perhaps proving that such an approach can still provide healthy defensive metrics.

Suffocating their opponents has prevented many sides from being able to significantly hurt Bournemouth, and in turn, the Cherries have been able to cause a substantial amount of damage to the opposition themselves.

There is no doubt plenty of individuals have lifted Bournemouth, with both Dean Huijsen and Kepa Arrizabalaga being key at one end, with the arrival of Evanilson at the top end nicely filling the hole that Dominic Solanke left.

As for their current competitors' goal differences, Brentford sit on plus nine, Brighton on plus one and Fulham on plus three. With the run in looking like it will go to the wire, so Bournemouth's remarkable elevation in this particular statistic could end up being the all important deciding factor.

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert has praised the club for delivering on the vision they used to attract his signature.

The former Ajax player was signed by Bournemouth in 2023 and has been instrumental this season, chipping in with 12 goals and six assists in the Premier League.

"They came to me and they knew what they wanted -, they didn't sell me lies," Kluivert told a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They sold me this [Bournemouth's new training facility], and they gave it to me. They sold me many more other things and they backed it up. I did my part, they did their part, and I think it's a very good match."

The Dutchman also stated that his goal was to ply his trade in the Premier League even when coming through the ranks with European giants Ajax.

"If you are in the youth of Ajax, you are thinking about playing in the Premier League," he said. "The Premier League for footballers is the best there is. That will stay for always, and I am thankful to be here."

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Following Saturday's victory against Arsenal, Julian Araujo spoke to BBC Radio Solent after making his first start since returning from injury: "It was a long five months without any games. To come back and get three points at a stadium where we have had no points at is a great feeling.

"I just keep my feet on the ground and work hard. It was a very tough recovery but this group and the staff have made it easy for me. Being in a whole new country alone is hard but I'm very happy to be a part of this club.

"The team and club is going in the right direction. We have a lot of belief in ourselves and the manager and staff have the belief in us too."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Arsenal's Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Rachel: Same old, same old. Seriously worrying Arsenal performance. Another pathetic display from Martin Odegaard who didn't bother to turn up. It doesn't fill me with optimism for remaining games and looks like we're going to fade away yet again.

Dan: Simply pathetic, again. If Arteta had rested the first team, I wouldn't be as mad, but well done Mikel, you've tired your starters, with the most important game of the season just days away. Given we're almost guaranteed to fail to beat PSG, I think we have to focus on qualifying for the Champions League. We'll struggle to finish top five in this form.

Terrence: Pitiful, clueless, effortless and so on. We played like a tired bunch that have never seen a football match. As I said weeks ago, Arsenal will be lucky to finish in the top four. They deserve the criticism, sad end to the season.

Bournemouth fans

Bernard: Firstly well done Cherries! We've done the double on Arsenal. We started well and seemed to come to a stop after their goal but kept them at bay until half-time. Great substitutions by the gaffer in the second half. Once we equalised, Arsenal appeared clueless. The second goal was deserved, however contentious it appeared. VAR went our way for a change!

Matt: I had a feeling on the way up we could get something at Emirates Stadium, especially if Arsenal rested a few players. Very surprised to see them put out a full-strength side, but that just adds to our satisfaction in finally winning at N5. Superb set-pieces and bringing on fresh legs were key. The European dream is reignited.

Bob: A fortunate win - have to learn how to hold on to winning positions. I keep saying we need a hard defender.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was full of praise for Evanilson after the Bournemouth striker scored the winner against Arsenal on Saturday.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast the Brazilian has been a fantastic signing.

"I've been a fan of Evanilson since he was at Porto so I saw the quality striker that he was," he said. "When I saw he was coming to Bournemouth, I thought that was a fantastic signing.

"He is a top class striker. He knows where the back of the net is and is going to get goals. Great movement in the box, a great natural finisher and old-school striker. He's just gone from strength to strength since coming to Bournemouth.

"He really is a great player and he has got the luxury of playing with Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier. He has been sensational and it's great recruiting on their part."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Real Madrid sent scouts to watch Bournemouth's 20-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen and 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez during Saturday's win at Arsenal. (TBR Football), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's Four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Manchester City and Wolves.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 2-2 Ipswich

• Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth secured a first-ever win at Arsenal to also complete the double over the Gunners and keep alive their hopes of playing European football next season.

It had, however, looked like the result would be defined by their missed chances as they missed a couple of big opportunities in the first half.

But ultimately Andoni Iraola's use of substitutions and clever play from set-pieces proved key.

Their equaliser came from a long throw by Antoine Semenyo. who found Dean Huijsen inside the box and the defender headed home.

The winner came from a corner, flicked on to the back post where Evanilson bundled in.

It marked the first time Arsenal had conceded two goals from set-piece situations in the same Premier League game since December 2023.

Image source, Getty Images

Andoni Iraola spoke to Sky Sports after Bournemouth's victory against Arsenal: "I liked the game overall. I think we had chances. They scored but we played well. The key was the set plays in the second half. In the end in these close games to make the difference with the set plays was the key to take the three points.

On staying patient: "I think we have been at half time talking about a good first half. They [Arsenal] are going to have chances but we were playing well, having a lot of the ball, taking good positions. It was a matter of doing the same thing, pushing a bit more, and I think the subs also helped us. Antoine [Semenyo] coming from the bench was a good spark at that moment when both teams were tired.

On Semenyo's long throws: "Yes we hardly score any, that's the first one. We conceded two or three this season. We have a couple of players who can put in dangerous throws. Today [the throw] was longer than I expected, but it's a nice moment to score this type of goal."

On goalscorer Dean Huijsen: "I think he is playing very well. Even in this scenario being on the ball he was confident. It's dfficult to defend everything. I think it's the third goal he's scored on set plays, he's our biggest threat there and he's helping us a lot."

On getting three points: "I think we needed this one because we know the schedule we have. Arsenal, Villa, City, you have to get points where you don't expect. We missed a few chances recently and we needed it this time to go to our side."

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth have completed the league double over Arsenal, with today the first time they've ever avoided defeat away against the Gunners in all competitions (L8).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies.

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Aston Villa v Fulham (12:30)

• Everton v Ipswich Town - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leicester City v Southampton

• Arsenal v Bournemouth (17:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

We know how dangerous Bournemouth are because they beat Arsenal in October, and if Mikel Arteta rests players then this game becomes even harder for the Gunners.

It is a tricky situation for Arteta, because he will want to head to Paris St-Germain for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with a bit of momentum, but he has got to balance that with the risk of injury to his key players.

Bournemouth's form has improved of late, and the circumstances mean they definitely have a decent chance of doing the double over Arsenal this season.

This all boils down to what the Arsenal team is, so it is difficult to make a call without knowing that, but they are at home and even if they are not at full strength then I can still see them getting a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Only Mohamed Salah (120) has had more shots than Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo (118) in the Premier League this season.

However, Semenyo has the fifth-lowest conversion rate of anyone with 50-plus shots this term (7.6%).

Sean Byrne
BBC Sport researcher

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 17:30).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injury concerns, but Luis Sinisterra remains unavailable.

• On Evanilson's red card against Manchester United being overturned on appeal: "I haven't asked for any explanation, and no one has called me to explain how the process has gone. Obviously, something hasn't worked well. The VAR referees are becoming more important than the actual referees, and I think that is very dangerous."

• On how many points he believes referee decisions have cost Bournemouth this season: "You have to look at the stats. The VAR interventions for us and for the opposition during the season. The season is very long, and I don't think we've been very lucky during the season with these decisions. It's something we cannot control but it effects us."

• On Evanilson now being available after his suspension was lifted: "Obviously you prefer to have Evanilson, not just for this game but the next two. But also there is the part where what I thought is now confirmed. It's a strange feeling, now we have to focus on the game tomorrow knowing he's available which is better, but it doesn't change the decision of the referee."

• On if they have the hardest final four games out of those chasing Europe: "Probably, yes. Man City and Aston Villa are fighting for Champions League, even Arsenal isn't 100%. It's difficult to play these teams at the end of the season when they are very close to achieving important things, but we have to face it in the same way."

• On taking points off 'big teams' this season: "I think in the past we were playing good against these teams but not getting the results. Especially the result against Arsenal, it made us believe. We have to be very good, but we've shown all this season that we can beat the good teams."

• On Arsenal: "We have to respect Arsenal knowing they have been better then us over the season, but maybe over 90 minutes we can definitely beat them."

Listen to more from Iraola speaking to BBC Radio Solent

Listen to live commentary of Arsenal vs Bournemouth on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 on Saturday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Newcastle will not enter a summer-long pursuit of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, 20, after learning from last year's failed attempts to sign 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. (i paper, external)

Real Madrid are happy for Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, 26, to leave the club this season, with Chelsea's 30-year-old Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga, currently on loan at Bournemouth, being considered as a replacement. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport