Bournemouth and Chelsea Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 Draw
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who is on the verge of a transfer to Manchester City, played a pivotal role in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old is currently in advanced negotiations regarding a £65 million move to the Etihad Stadium but made a significant impact for the Cherries by assisting two goals through long throw-ins that led to strikes from David Brooks and Justin Kluivert.
Semenyo's first throw-in set up Brooks, who scored from close range in the sixth minute.
Chelsea equalized and took the lead after Semenyo was penalized for bringing down Estevao Willian in the box. Referee Sam Barrott awarded a penalty following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) in the 15th minute.
Cole Palmer converted the penalty, finding the corner despite goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic diving in the right direction. Enzo Fernandez then made it 2-1 with a powerful shot into the top corner in the 23rd minute.
Kluivert responded just four minutes later, tapping in from close range after another long throw from Semenyo.
While Chelsea created several opportunities, Bournemouth dominated the first half with 14 attempts that tested goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
At halftime, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made two substitutions, introducing captain Reece James for Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto for Alejandro Garnacho.
In the second half, VAR official Craig Pawson dismissed a handball appeal against Malo Gusto, while former Chelsea goalkeeper Petrovic made an impressive save from Estevao's shot from the edge of the box.
Fernandez had a golden opportunity to score in the 77th minute but blazed over from inside the box. Joao Pedro replaced Palmer shortly before this, eliciting boos from the home crowd as Maresca's side began to dominate yet couldn’t secure a late winner.
In injury time, Bournemouth substitute Enes Unal missed a chance to clinch victory when he volleyed over from just 12 yards after a cross from Amine Adli.
Chelsea have now won just one of their last seven league matches, while Bournemouth remains without a win in their last ten outings.