Bournemouth secured their first home win of the new Premier League season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Southampton at the Vitatily Stadium.
Scorers: Evanilson 17′, Ouattara 32′, Semenyo 39′; Harwood-Bellis 51′
After a relatively even start to the contest, Bournemouth took the lead in the 17th minute and never looked back. The goal came from Evanilson, who brilliantly finished first-time when Marcus Tavernier’s quick free found him in the Saints box. It was his first for the club following his record £40m move from Porto.
The Cherries built on the opener, and doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark through Dango Ouattara, although he didn’t know much about it. After some good play down the right, the ball was pulled back to Lewis Cook, who saw his shot come off his fellow midfielder and into the net past Aaron Ramsdale.
The game was over as a contest six minutes before half-time when Antoine Semenyo grabbed the home side’s third, and his third of the season. The winger dribbled inside with his left foot before cutting back onto his right, and finishing confidently.
After making three substitutions at the break, Saints started the second half much better and pulled one back in the 51st minute through Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The defender had originally seen his header saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, but adjusted his body brilliantly the second time to nod home Mateus Fernandes’ follow-up cross.
It proved to be little more than a consolation, as Bournemouth saw out the game to move into 11th position.
As for Saints, they are still awaiting their first league win since their return to the top flight, and already look certain for a relegation battle.