Bournemouth made it six wins from seven in the Premier League as they brushed aside a poor Fulham side on Boxing Day at Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries are the form team in the Premier League as their slow start to the season under new manager Andoni Iraola is a distant memory as they continue to score goals galore.
Great work from the brilliant Alex Scott set up Justin Kluivert for the opener right at the end of the first half, then Dominic Solanke added a second from the penalty spot and Luis Sinisterra scored a stunning solo goal in stoppage time to seal the 3-0 win.
With the victory Bournemouth move on to 25 points for the season, while Fulham remain on 21.
Cherries feasting as confidence soars
It took Bournemouth 10 games to win in the Premier League season. After 18 games they now have seven wins. Six of those wins have come in the last seven games and Andoni Iraola was beaming after Bournemouth totally dominated Fulham on Boxing Day. What is behind this Bournemouth surge? Confidence. That is pretty much it. They’re playing the same way they did earlier in the season but now they’re taking shots earlier, flicks and tricks are coming off and they are in full control of what they’re doing. Iraola’s side are direct, quick and incisive and they bully opponents. It took a while for his style of play and the high-pressing to work, probably because this group of players were so used to hitting teams on the counter and sitting back last season. But boy has it clicked in spectacular fashion over the last few months. Heading into 2024, Bournemouth could make a run for Europe and owner Bill Foley said that is their aim. With plans to upgrade the stadium and continue investing in the squad too, this seems like being just the start of a wonderful new era for the Cherries. And oh yeah, Dominic Solanke has 12 Premier League games and is in the running for the Golden Boot.
Bournemouth vs Fulham player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see Bournemouth’s attacking players had another field day with Scott pulling the strings in midfield and then Solanke, Semenyo and Kluivert causing all kinds of problems.
What’s next?
Bournemouth head to Tottenham on Saturday, Dec. 31, while Fulham host Arsenal on the same day.
How to watch Bournemouth vs Fulham live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10m ET, Tuesday (December 26)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream online via NBCSports.com
Bournemouth vs Fulham live analysis! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Bournemouth 3-0 Fulham
A party atmosphere in Bournemouth as the Cherries have taken 19 points from their last 21 available. That is a wild run and they totally deserve it.
What a goal! Sinisterra with a stunner - Bournemouth 3-0 Fulham (93rd minute)
That is an incredible solo goal from substitute Luis Sinisterra. He runs in from the left, keeps going and then unleashes a brilliant shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. Wow. Iraola has a huge smile on his face in the stands and why not? What an incredible turnaround this has been.
So easy for Bournemouth
This has been a seriously disappointing display from Fulham. Nothing happening in attack and the main action in the second half was Bernd Leno and a Bournemouth ball boy having an ongoing feud. They’ve hugged it out and everything is okay. This has been so easy for Bournemouth.
Solanke slots home from the spot - Bournemouth 2-0 Fulham (62nd minute)
Dominic Solanke slots home calmly and that is eight in his last seven games. Bournemouth score their first Premier League penalty in 20 months. That should be another win for Bournemouth and that will be six wins in seven if they can hold on.
Penalty kick to Bournemouth as Palhinha bundles Semenyo over
That is a blatant penalty kick. Semenyo runs into the box and Palhinha barges into him from behind. Fulham were in control there. That was needless from Palhinha.
Half time: Bournemouth 1-0 Fulham
That was a tight, tense first half but Alex Scott’s moment of magic set up Justin Kluivert to give the hosts the lead right on half time.
Class from Scott to set up Kluivert for the opener - Bournemouth 1-0 Fulham (44th minute)
What an incredible run from Alex Scott, who dribbles past multiple players before finding Kulivert who squeezes his shot underneath Leno and in. Bournemouth lead right on half time.
Kluivert goes close
Fulham are caught on the counter as Kluivert is played in after a few deflections fall Bournemouth’s way but Tosin comes in at the last minute and makes a fine block. From the resulting corner Leno makes a hash of collecting the ball and Tosin heads a dangerous cross away.
Even start on the South Coast
Both teams have had half chances so far but this is a very even start. Fulham are looking to attack down their left with Iwobi causing problems, while Semenyo down Bournemouth’s right has been lively and almost got in but his touch was heavy.
Bournemouth lineup
Neto; A Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Ouattara; Scott, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Solanke
Fulham lineup
Leno; Tete, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Focus on Bournemouth, team news
OUT: Tyler Adams (hamstring - out until February), Ryan Fredericks (calf), Lloyd Kelly (thigh), Hamed Traore (illness), Maximillian Aarons (hamstring), Emiliano Marcondes (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Milos Kerkez (ankle), Darren Randolph (illness)
Focus on Fulham, team news
OUT: Raul Jimenez (suspension), Adama Traore (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Tim Ream (calf)