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The Cherries supporters likely worried about a downturn when £200m worth of key stars left during the summer.

But keeping hold of one star proved an absolute masterstroke, as the Ghanaian forward has inspired their ascent to the runner-up position in the top flight.

Semenyo scored twice and assisted an assist as Bournemouth overturned a deficit to beat Fulham 3-1 on the weekend, moving to within a single point of division leaders the Reds.

The opening strike to level the scores was spectacular as he picked up the ball on the left wing, left defenders in his wake, took it to the byeline and slotted the ball through the goalkeeper's legs from a narrow angle.

He then, he set up Justin Kluivert's goal before scoring in injury time on a counter-attack.

This brings him up to sixth Premier League goals this campaign, second only to Manchester City's prolific striker the Norwegian.

From the start of last spring, he has been directly involved in a greater number of goals than any other player in the Premier League (12 – 8 goals, four assists).

Not bad for a talent the Robins signed from the local academy at the age of seventeen.

"It was a hard night to compete, but it didn't matter to Semenyo," stated ex-England midfielder the pundit on television.

"He just moves across that pitch. An incredible, unique player. So wonderful to see.

"It makes no difference if it's right foot, his left, makes no difference for him."

Semenyo in Top Condition

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Although nearly 50% of Bournemouth's first team departed in the summer, Semenyo was rumored with transfers to United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

But instead he agreed to a long-term contract back on July 1st.

And that has turned out to be excellent business for the Cherries, for he is one of the form players in the league right now.

In the previous campaign, the Ghanaian forward reached double figures for the first time in his career – 11 goals in the Premier League, 13 in total.

This season, he has scored six goals in his opening 7 top-flight matches and set up an additional three.

Semenyo was asked following the game if this was the peak performance of his career.

"Yeah, I'd say so," he said. "I'm grateful to God enormously. He has had a massive part in my life and I'm just reaping the benefits now. So yes, I appreciate him always."

There will be clubs wishing they had taken the gamble on him earlier.

Semenyo is eligible for Ghana through his father, but he is from the capital. He was turned down by Arsenal, Spurs and the Lions as a youngster before landing in a West Country academy run by ex- Leeds and Forest Green coach the coach.

Bristol City signed him in 2017, but he required loan spells at City, County and the Black Cats before securing a place in the Robins starting eleven in 2020-21.

In January 2023, he made the multi-million pound transfer to Bournemouth – and he has been progressing continuously.

"In my opinion he is a footballer with self-belief," commented boss the coach.

"His confidence has been increasing with him. He has played in other divisions, working his way into the Premier League. He is extremely important for us."

His statistics are exceptional now. He is first in the Premier League for duels won, first for ball won in the attacking area, second for high-speed runs and top five for dribbles. Plus his goals, naturally.

Fellow player Justin Kluivert said: "He's amazing. He shows it every game now. He is just world class."

'The Manager Can Manage Every Team'

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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be a manager in high demand when he chooses to leave.

He, a Spanish coach, has been at the helm since last year after the unexpected dismissal of his predecessor.

Many were displeased initially, with the new manager not being a household name – and previously coached Cyprus, Spain and Rayo Vallecano.

But the appointment has been a outstanding achievement, with the club ending up 12th and then ninth.

The club has not been as elevated as second place in the top flight after two matches into a campaign.

Apart from his impressive work in sustaining a winning squad, even when it seemed all their stars were leaving in the off-season, his strategies were spot on on matchday.

During a brief period he had 3 backline players on the pitch instead of 4. And that turned the game.

Late in the game he brought on a attacker for a defender. They were 1-0 down.

Soon after, he brought on a winger for a defender. They were 2-1 up.

"It was necessary to be bold and put on more offensive personnel and it worked," he said. "The players have to create the impact and today they made it."

Kluivert commented: "He is incredible. If you consider even the players that have left the club, how we are doing now is incredible.

"I often say that the driver of the bus is the manager and he is guiding us on a crazy path. Brilliant leader, so we follow him."

Redknapp stated: "Iraola can manage any club in world football.

"He develops individuals, all they do is thrilling. They have to appreciate him while he is with them. For how much longer? It's uncertain?

"Can they keep achieving the unthinkable, like getting into the top six? They merit it and anything is possible as long as they keep the manager because he is that big an advantage for the club."

Bournemouth Take Off-Season Overhaul in Their Step

Several felt that Bournemouth overachieved when they finished in ninth place last season – and for a period there was even speculation of European competition.

Subsequently 3 of their defensive line – Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen – departed for some of Europe's elite teams for nearly £150m.

And they failed to make {goalkeeper|shot-st