Bournemouth

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We needed this one. We have been very close in the last games. Football cannot every time go to the other side and today was the perfect moment, also for Antoine [Semenyo].

"To play the way he did, the commitment to help in whatever way until the last second. I think football has been fair and given him a lovely moment."

Was it Semenyo's last game for Bournemouth? "Unluckily for us, I think it was.

"He has been if not the best, one of the best I have coached. He has improved every single season.

"He has scored 10 goals in half a season and he's not even a number nine. It is not just the numbers but a lot of things - the physicality, the balls in the air and the defensive things.

"He will be a big miss."

• Hear more from Iraola on BBC Sounds

Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier, speaking to Sky Sports: "In a way, it is a relief [at winning].

"We've waited too long to feel this feeling again. It might not have been the prettiest of performances but we got the three points."

On Semenyo's fairytale winner: "If that is to be his last involvement for Bournemouth, there is no better way for it to go. That was the type of stuff you write in movies and no man deserves it more than him.

"He will be a big miss with his quality, but also the person he is in the changing room.

"If that is to be his last moment, we definitely have to find something else going forward."

Did you know?

• Timed at 94 minutes 40 seconds, Semenyo scored Bournemouth's second-latest winning goal in a Premier League match, after Luis Sinisterra against Everton in August 2024 (95:37).

• No teenager has scored more goals in Europe's big five leagues this season than Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi (seven - level with Lamine Yamal pf Barcelona), and he is the first to score seven goals in their debut Premier League season since Dele Alli and Kelechi Iheanacho in 2015-16 (both eight).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Antoine Semenyo starts for Bournemouth in what could be his final game for the Cherries, with the winger expected to complete his Manchester City transfer this week.

Andoni Iraola makes two changes to the side that were beaten 3-2 by Arsenal with Eli Junior Kroupi and Lewis Cook coming in as injured Justin Kluivert and David Brooks drop out.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Cook, Senesi, Scott, Evanilson, Tavernier, Jimenez, Kroupi, Hill, Semenyo.

Subs: Forster, Soler, Brooks, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal, Milosavljevic, Rees-Dottin.

Mohammed Kudus is out injured for Tottenham but Xavi Simons returns to the starting line-up after a three-match suspension.

It's one of the five changes that Spurs boss Thomas Frank makes as Randal Kolo Muani, Djed Spence, Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha are also back in the starting 11.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Palhinha, Simons, Tel, Bergvall, Romero, Porro, Spence, Bentancur, Van de Ven, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Richarlison, Gray, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett, Williams-Barnett.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Tottenham

• Brentford v Sunderland

• Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

• Everton v Wolves

• Fulham v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Brighton

• Burnley v Manchester United (20:15)

• Newcastle v Leeds (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth's latest recruit Fraser Forster has been speaking to BBC Radio Solent's Jordan Clark after signing at Vitality Stadium last week.

The 37-year-old has been without a club since leaving Wednesday's visitors Tottenham last summer but will provide competition for current incumbent Djordje Petrovic in the Cherries goal.

"It happened very quickly," he said. "I am delighted to be here, it's a fantastic club so it was a no-brainer for me. I can't wait to get stuck in.

"I am looking forward to helping the team the best I can, if that's playing or supporting. I am hoping to bring energy.

"I think with the way Bournemouth have been the past few season, you can really see the ambition of the club and the manager has been fantastic this season so far."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Embattled Tottenham boss Thomas Frank takes his side to the south coast with boos from his own supporters still ringing in his ears after the draw with Sunderland.

His side actually started Sunday's game with the kind of attacking verve and endeavour that their fans had been crying out for. But they failed to capitalise on an opening 45 minutes in which they had eight shots, four of which were on target.

Instead, they reverted back to the attack-shy side that has frustrated their fanbase under his management and led to chants of "Boring Boring Tottenham" in their 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Their season's average of just 9.9 shots per league game is the only campaign on record from 1997-98 onwards that they have averaged below 11 per match.

Spurs will again fall back on their strong away form, which can only be surpassed by leaders Arsenal this season. They have kept clean sheets in five of their 10 matches on the road, already exceeding last season's tally of four, and in both of their past two games at Crystal Palace and Brentford.

However, they will try to rectify their terrible record of failing to win any of their past 10 league fixtures played on either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (drawn three, lost seven), dating back to January 2024.

One such defeat came at Vitality Stadium last season.

Bournemouth desperate to end their winless run

While not under anything like the same sort of pressure as Frank is, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be feeling the heat after their winless run stretched to 11 matches (drawn five, lost six). It is their longest streak without a victory within a single top-flight campaign.

They put in very spirited performances in both the draw with Chelsea and defeat to byArsenal, but were again porous at the back.

They have let in 14 goals in their past five league matches with the form of new recruits, signed after they lost three of their back four and their goalkeeper over the summer, deserting them somewhat.

But anyone watching the Cherries this season cannot claim they are not getting value for money. Their league games have contained a total of 69 goals (31 for and 38 against), which is five more than other top-flight side.

One huge frustration for Iraola is that his side have scored at least twice in eight different league games in which they have failed to go on and win, including each of their past two against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Despite only just passing the halfway point of the season, it is already a new club record and there have only been a total of 11 instances of a team doing so more in Premier League history.

Bournemouth have gone 11 league games without a win but they have been unfortunate not to get over the line in a couple of those matches.

I always think the Cherries have got a goal in them and they showed that when I watched them draw 2-2 with Chelsea last week, then again against Arsenal on Saturday - albeit in a 3-2 defeat.

The Antoine Semenyo situation is fascinating, because we all know he is joining Manchester City this month but, after facing the Gunners, will he get another game for Bournemouth here?

Whether Semenyo plays or not, it is hard to back Tottenham at the moment.

It is also difficult to make a case that Spurs have really improved under Thomas Frank this season.

They are 13th at the moment and, when they were struggling under Ange Postecoglou this time last year, they were a place better off after 20 games and he was getting panned.

For whatever reason, it has just not clicked for them in the final third under Frank and I don't see that changing here.

Bournemouth won this fixture 1-0 last season, and also won 1-0 at Spurs in August. One goal should be enough for them this time, too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key headlines from his news conference:

• Justin Kluivert will have surgery on his left knee after being injured against Arsenal. Iraola said "it is very bad news" and he cannot not give a timescale for his return until the surgery has taken place on Thursday.

• He said "it could be" Antoine Semenyo's last game for Bournemouth before his expected exit but there is "nothing agreed and nothing signed" yet.

• Iraola added Semenyo has "been very professional" about the situation and he will be "almost impossible to replace".

• On whether he is disappointed that Semenyo has chosen to leave: "Everyone has to make their own decisions. We are all different. I suppose when a big club comes calling, it's difficult. But we still don't know what is going to happen!"

• Centre-back Veljko Milosavljevic has returned to training, but Ryan Christie needs "more time" to continue his recovery as he still has some pain when kicking the ball.

• On the Cherries' recent results: "We are one of the teams that scores more goals and one of the teams that concedes more goals. We need to deal better inside our box."

• On the financial position of the club in this transfer window: "I don't know our financial fair play situation. I understand the club has to sell some players to position themselves better for the next windows. I am not part of those decisions as head coach. I try to help in the process when signing players but I am not involved in the economical side."

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

Listen to Iraola on BBC Sounds

Image source, PA Media

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola believes Wednesday's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur will be Antoine Semenyo's final game for the Cherries.

BBC Sport reported last week that Manchester City were in advanced talks with Bournemouth last week after agreeing to meet the winger's £65m release clause, which must be activated by 10 January.

Several top Premier League clubs have been linked with signing Semenyo in recent months.

Iraola received an update on the 25-year-old's future before his pre-match news conference on Tuesday.

He said: "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow or the next two or three days, but I've asked before coming here just to tell me, otherwise I will look foolish there talking about Antoine and then [he leaves]. And that's the situation in this moment of the day.

"I think it could be the last game," added Iraola. "That is my personal opinion, but there is nothing agreed and nothing signed. It is my personal opinion as I understand the market and the noise but there is nothing agreed right now.

"He, right now, is our player and I hope it continues."

Iraola also said Semenyo is "almost impossible to replace".

Bournemouth were prepared to pay 40m euros (£34.7m) for Stuttgart and Germany winger Jamie Leweling as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, who is closing in on a transfer to Manchester City, but the Bundesliga club rejected the Cherries' offer. (Sky Sports - in German), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sam Davis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Every man and his dog are aware that Bournemouth lost the entirety of their defensive unit from last season, but recently, it has allowed a relatively unknown name to take his opportunity.

Following the departures of elite centre-backs Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi in the summer, the Cherries reacted by bringing in Bafode Diakite and Veljko Milosavljevic.

After an impressive few performances, Milosavljevic has been sidelined with a knee injury and, with Diakite still struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League, it was a dilemma as to who should partner Marcos Senesi in the Cherries' backline.

In recent games, Andoni has opted to give James Hill his opportunity and the young defender is grabbing it with both hands. Despite being chucked in at the deep end against both Chelsea and Arsenal, Hill has performed excellently and even added a calming presence to a somewhat shaky defence.

Given he has sat on the bench intently watching our style of play, there is something to be said about a player who can step in, knowing exactly what his manager requires for his centre-backs - so what he might lack in finesse he makes up for with know-how.

Having signed from Fleetwood in January 2022, the 23-year-old has always been seen as a backup player in the squad and has had loan spells at Hearts and Blackburn during his short time on the south coast.

After waiting in the wings for limited opportunities, he is starting to show his quality and could well be pivotal in solving the Cherries' defensive issues.

Given he has already accumulated caps at England Under-20 and Under-21 level, Hill evidently 'has something' and now may be the time that this shows itself on the main stage.

Find more from Sam Davis at Back of the Net, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Gabe: A performance to be proud of, especially in the first half. Very happy to see both our strikers score. Kroupi is a star! Our defence now is definitely looking better in dealing with intensity. The Senesi-Hill partnership is working well at the moment. Hopefully we can turn these recent good performances into a win on Wednesday.

Bob: Goal difference is an indication of the Cherries' major problem. Physical strength was an apparent difference and there was a definite lack of a target man up front.

Lee: We started the game well and probably shaded the first half, but then gave away two very cheap goals in the second half and that made it hard to come back. Overall, I thought we matched Arsenal but we are conceding too may goals and up front we have to be more clinical. Next up is Spurs so come on, you Cherries!!

Arsenal fans

Banda: Arsenal didn't play perfectly, but they kept their cool and showed real grit. Coming away with a win in a tight match like that is exactly the kind of fight we need if we want the title. Still, the defence has to tighten up a bit, but I'm loving the fight!

Paul: A better side than Bournemouth would have beaten Arsenal. Far too many chances conceded - 15 shots to 12! Declan Rice won it on his own with a standout display of tackles, running and finishes.

Tim: Ground out a great result after a below-par performance in the first half - all while being able to rest and rotate key players. A great result against a team we lost to in the corresponding fixture last season. On to the Liverpool game on Thursday.

Bournemouth are competing with Fiorentina, Cagliari and Genoa for Atalanta's 25-year-old Italy midfielder Marco Brescianini. (Calciomercato), external

Meanwhile, Cherries left-back Julio Soler has emerged as a loan target for Watford. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pundits Alan Shearer and Jermain Defo join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 2-0 Burnley

• Wolves 3-0 West Ham

• Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal

Andoni Iraola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Bournemouth's defeat against Arsenal: "It is a feeling we've had a lot lately. We do a lot of good things but go away with one point or no points.

"Today we conceded three goals against Arsenal but they have not had a lot of chances. Overall it was quite a level game, we were better in the first half but Arsenal had the better of the second half. It is very difficult to score two against Arsenal but to finish without a point is frustrating.

"We have to be very good to get just one point. Arsenal found a way to win it and that is costing us a lot.

"I was quite unhappy with the referee. The third goal came from a free-kick that was not a free-kick. We were complaining because we felt he made a mistake [to blow full-time when Semenyo had the ball at the end]

On Semenyo's future: "The situation hasn't changed. I expect him to play the next one. There is a lot of noise, I can't control that. Antoine is our player and until I am told he is not he will continue playing."

Lewis Cook spoke to Sky Sports: "Against a top, top side that are top of the league for a reason, we know we had to be at our best for 90 minutes of the game to get three points. I would say yes we were good in large spells of the game, we competed really well, unfortunately we couldn't get all the goals to come away with a point."

On Bournemouth's defence: "Obviously Arsenal take their moments, they're a great, well drilled team I do feel like when we're at our best we can compete with a team like that. I think we showed that today but it wasn't enough."

Holding onto the positives: "We are on a bit of a winless run but we've picked up points and had some good performances in a tough run and I think we have to reflect on them and take the positives."

Did you know?

• Bournemouth's Premier League games have seen 69 goals (31 for and 38 against), at least seven more than other team's matches in the competition this season.

• The Cherries have failed to win eight Premier League games this season when scoring 2+ goals (D5 L3), twice as many as any other side in the competition.

Listen to BBC Radio Solent's interviews with Iraola and Cook here

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth's slide down the table is continuing. The 3-2 loss to Arsenal makes it 11 games without a win - their worst run in a top-flight season.

They sit 15th, although nine points above the relegation zone, having failed to win a game since October.

But this has not been a run without creditable results and performances. In December they drew with Chelsea and had a remarkable 4-4 match at Manchester United.

Bournemouth had more shots than Arsenal here - 15 to 12 - and had the better chances in the first half. They are only the third team to score more than once against the Gunners in a game this season.

But nonetheless this is another defeat. Their frustrations boiled over when Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle while they were on the attack and thought they still had time to equalise.

Antoine Semenyo may be on his way to City soon, although boss Andoni Iraola hopes he will play against Tottenham on Wednesday - either way, in Eli Junior Kroupi they have a real talent.

The 19-year-old Frenchman is now the top-scoring teenager in the Premier League this season with six goals, one every 85 minutes.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

What did you make of Arsenal's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Bournemouth put out the same XI who drew 2-2 at Chelsea.

That means Antoine Semenyo, widely expected to join Manchester City, starts again.

On the bench are new goalkeeper signing Fraser Forster and Lewis Cook, back from a neck injury.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Tavernier, Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson.

Arsenal make three changes from the side who beat Aston Villa 4-1.

Declan Rice, back from a knee problem, starts instead of Mikel Merino - and Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard drop to the bench, with starts for Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Brighton v Burnley - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Wolves v West Ham - BBC Radio 5 Live

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

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I covered Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Tuesday and the Cherries really impressed me.

Andoni Iraola's side have gone 10 games without a win, but they have drawn four of their past five matches and they carried a real threat against the Blues.

Their goals came from a couple of long throws but they did look dangerous in open play and, with the way Iraola plays, this is not going to be easy for Arsenal.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will know that already after Bournemouth did the double over his side last season, but he and his players must be full of confidence after the way they dispatched Aston Villa last time out.

To beat Villa was a huge result and their performance to go with it was Arsenal really flexing their muscles.

It said to everyone "we are the team to beat" and you can't back against them following it up by beating Bournemouth as well.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here