Brentford Clinch Victory Over Bournemouth, Hitting Cherries’ European Aspirations

Brentford staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, maintaining their record as the only Premier League team that the Cherries have yet to defeat.

The home side was eager to get off to a flying start, with Milos Kerkez having an early shot saved before both Evanilson and Ryan Christie saw their attempts blocked.

Dean Huijsen then surged forward to unleash a powerful shot that was deflected wide by Nathan Collins, while Evanilson’s delicate effort from a tight angle went astray.

The Cherries broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, as Kerkez capitalised on Antoine Semenyo’s pass and sent a ball that ricocheted off Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt and into the net.

Shortly after, Kevin Schade was found in the box but could only manage a timid header that Kepa Arrizabalaga saved comfortably, before a poor touch from him allowed Illya Zabarnyi to clear the danger.

Brentford remained determined in their attack and levelled the score at the half-hour mark, as Yoane Wissa connected with a corner from Bryan Mbeumo, directing his header neatly beyond Kepa.

Both Mbeumo and Schade came within inches of grabbing a quick second goal, while Evanilson’s bouncing shot was tipped away by Mark Flekken at the opposite end.

Similar to the first half, Bournemouth began the second period with intent, but Semenyo’s header from a Justin Kluivert cross struck the crossbar.

The contest remained fiercely competitive, but chances on goal became scarce for a spell.

Evanilson set up Marcus Tavernier for a shot that narrowly missed the top corner, yet it was Brentford who found the net next. Schade’s long throw-in went unchallenged, allowing Christian Norgaard to react swiftly and finish decisively, completing the turnaround.

David Brooks connected well with a precise cross from Luis Sinisterra, but his shot went straight at Flekken, who also thwarted Tavernier and Semenyo, ensuring Brentford’s fifth consecutive away victory, which lifted them to 11th place in the Premier League.

They now sit just three points behind Bournemouth, who are winless in their last five matches across all competitions within 90 minutes—though that run includes a penalty shootout victory over Wolves in the FA Cup.