EPL: Cherries Round Off Season with Convincing 2-0 Win Over Leicester
Bournemouth secured a 2-0 win over already-relegated Leicester in their Premier League finale, thanks to Antoine Semenyo's second-half brace.
Bournemouth secured a dominant win over already-relegated Leicester, thanks to Antoine Semenyo's second-half brace. The Cherries had struggled to break down Leicester's defense, but Semenyo finally scored in the 75th minute, tapping home from close range after Illia Zabarnyi headed a corner across the box.
Semenyo sealed the victory with a precise finish from the edge of the area, rifling the ball into the near post. This win rounded off Bournemouth's Premier League season, although they fell short of securing a European spot due to a dip in form in the second half of the campaign.
Andoni Iraola's side dominated the match from start to finish, leaving Leicester to suffer another defeat without keeping a clean sheet in their final Premier League game before returning to the Championship.
Leicester thought they had scored early when Oliver Skipp headed home from a Kasey McAteer cross, but the goal was disallowed due to offside in the build-up.
The video assistant referee (VAR) played a crucial role in the match, first saving Conor Coady from a potential red card after he tripped Evanilson. Later, VAR intervened again to rule out a Daniel Jebbison goal for Bournemouth, as the cross from Semenyo had gone out of play before being deflected to Jebbison.
The Foxes struggled to pose a significant threat to Bournemouth's defense throughout the match. In contrast, the Cherries dominated the game, and Semenyo's late goals sealed a deserved win, reflecting the team's overall performance.
This match may have been a fitting farewell for Ruud van Nistelrooy if it indeed turned out to be his last game as Leicester manager, given the team's uninspiring display. Leicester struggled to create any meaningful chances, managing only three shots, none of which hit the target.
In contrast, Bournemouth dominated the match, with their striker Evanilson consistently causing problems for the Leicester defense. The hosts' front line worked well together, putting pressure on Leicester's backline and generating numerous scoring opportunities. Bournemouth's 19 shots, seven of which were on target, kept Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk busy, highlighting the clear difference in quality between the two teams.
Our record-breaking season rounded off in style 🤩 pic.twitter.com/t6K05thlvO
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 25, 2025
Leicester held firm against Bournemouth's attacks until Antoine Semenyo finally broke the deadlock, although it seemed inevitable that the Cherries would score.
A stunning fingertip save from Jakub Stolarczyk shortly after halftime was crucial in keeping Leicester in the game, denying Marcus Tavernier a goal-scoring opportunity.
Throughout the match, Bournemouth exuded confidence on the ball, creating superior chances and dominating the game. They consistently looked like the team that would emerge victorious, and Semenyo's goal ultimately sealed a result that reflected their dominance.
Leicester's most notable chance aside from Skipp's disallowed goal came when they swiftly counter-attacked after Bournemouth lost possession. However, the hosts quickly regained their defensive shape, and Jordan Ayew's effort at the back post was scuffed.
As the final whistle blew, Leicester fans bid farewell to the Premier League with chants of “Leicester 'till I die.” The Foxes finish the season in 18th place, 15 points shy of safety, and return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight. Meanwhile, Bournemouth concluded the season on a high note, accumulating 56 points - their highest tally in a top-tier campaign. Leicester's relegation was already confirmed last month.
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