Semenyo’s Late Stunner Caps Dream Farewell as Bournemouth Sink Spurs
Antoine Semenyo produced a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time to hand Bournemouth a dramatic 3–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium, in what is expected to be his final appearance for the Cherries.
With the contest locked at 2–2, the Ghana international unleashed a superb curling strike from outside the box in the 95th minute, beating Djordje Petrovic and bringing an end to Bournemouth’s 11-game winless run in unforgettable fashion. The goal capped an emotional night for Semenyo, who is poised to complete a move to Manchester City this week.
Tottenham had made the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes through Mathys Tel. The French winger collected a clever backheel from the returning Xavi Simons near the left touchline, surged past James Hill and finished calmly into the bottom corner.
However, Spurs’ advantage lasted just 17 minutes. Marcus Tavernier found space on the right and delivered an inviting cross, which Evanilson met with a powerful header to restore parity and lift the home crowd.
Bournemouth then turned the game on its head before the break. Once again, Tavernier was afforded too much room on the flank, and his cross was cut back by Marcos Senesi for Eli Junior Kroupi to slot home his seventh goal of the season in the 36th minute.
The second half brought further drama. Richarlison, introduced from the bench, saw a header crash against the woodwork, while referee Darren England initially awarded Tottenham a penalty after Micky van de Ven burst forward from his own half. Following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, with James Hill’s contact deemed insufficient.
Spurs eventually drew level in the 78th minute when Senesi’s defensive header from a corner fell kindly for Palhinha, who acrobatically dispatched a stunning overhead kick past Petrovic.
Yet Bournemouth were not finished. With time running out, David Brooks recycled possession from the edge of the area, feeding Semenyo, who curled a sublime effort beyond a diving Petrovic to send the home supporters into raptures.
Moments later, Semenyo was substituted to a standing ovation, slowly making his way to the touchline as fans serenaded him — perhaps for the final time. After the final whistle, the 26-year-old lingered on the pitch, soaking in the applause on his birthday night.
The winner was Semenyo’s 10th goal of the season, building on an impressive 2024–25 campaign in which he recorded 11 goals and six assists. Since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for over £10 million, he leaves with 32 goals and 13 assists from 110 appearances.
Bournemouth now sit on 27 points from 21 games, just one point behind Tottenham, after claiming their sixth Premier League win of the season.
For Spurs, the defeat piles further pressure on head coach Thomas Frank. Despite an encouraging start and a late equaliser, familiar defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge proved costly once again. Tottenham managed just four shots on target from 16 attempts and, without the injured Mohammed Kudus, looked short of ideas in the final third.
As the pressure mounts in north London, Frank’s side appear in urgent need of reinforcements — but history suggests the manager may be the first to feel the consequences.
