Bournemouth took one step nearer to European qualification with a dominant 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
An own-goal by Jefferson Lerma, a controversial Eli Junior Kroupi penalty and funky end from Rayan separated the 2 sides on a sunny afternoon on the Vitality Stadium, because the Cherries climbed into sixth place within the Premier League.
Each day Mail Sport’s CIARAN FOREMAN analysed the motion.
MAGIC IRAOLA
In case you’d requested any Bournemouth fan how they’d lose star gamers like Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen and nonetheless end within the high half this season, they’d have dispatched you to search out the closest miracle employee.
Because it seems, Andoni Iraola is the person with the magic contact.
Not solely are the Cherries within the high 10, their outgoing boss has them on the point of European qualification for the primary time of their historical past.
Jefferson Lerma scored an own-goal to offer Bournemouth the lead in opposition to Crystal Palace
Eli Junior Kroupi scored the second purpose from the spot, taking him to 12 for the season
This win over Palace prolonged their unbeaten run to fifteen Premier League video games – the very best present run within the top-flight – and in a powerful place to safe Europa League or Convention League soccer subsequent season.
It’s bittersweet that Iraola will not be the person to steer them on their travels subsequent yr – the Spaniard leaving the membership on the finish of this marketing campaign on the expiry of his contract to get replaced by former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose.
However ought to he steer Bournemouth into Europe, he could nicely surpass Eddie Howe because the membership’s greatest-ever boss.
And with murmurings of Chelsea and Man United conserving tabs on Iraola this summer time, he’s certain to obtain a hero’s welcome at any time when returning to the south coast.
A VAR-CE?
Whereas the soccer performed right here was fast-paced, incisive, and entertaining all through the 90 minutes, this was a sport that will nonetheless infuriate soccer purists.
The opening purpose was fortuitous – Palace midfielder Lerma inadvertently heading into his personal web whereas trying to clear Evanilson’s effort, with goal-line know-how confirming the ball had crossed the road regardless of Dean Henderson’s greatest efforts.
However the second purpose got here via the awarding of a penalty that left Oliver Glasner incensed on the touchline.
After catching a long-throw, Palace goalkeeper Henderson spilled the ball after colliding with Jaydee Canvot in his field, and Cherries defender Marcos Senesi was quickest to react earlier than falling down in pursuit of the ball.
Referee Robert Jones pointed to the spot and at first look it regarded like Henderson had taken a swipe on the Argentine. Although on second, third and even fourth viewing due to VAR, it appeared clear that there was minimal – if any – contact.
Marcos Senesi appeared to go down with minimal contact for Bournemouth’s penalty
But the penalty was not overturned by VAR and, to Kroupi’s credit score, completed nicely into the underside left nook. The younger Frenchman now has 12 Premier League targets for the season – essentially the most ever scored by a teen in his debut season within the top-flight.
EAGLES ALL IN FOR EUROPE
Given the Eagles’ exploits on Thursday night – profitable 3-1 away to Shakhtar within the Convention League semi-final – it was no shock to see Glasner make 5 adjustments to his squad for this tie.
Nonetheless, the dearth of depth within the Austrian’s squad is starting to indicate after an extended season.
A frontline with out star man Jean-Philippe Mateta noticed Palace wrestle to even muster a shot within the first 45, earlier than Glasner turned to his bench at half-time to make three adjustments.
Whereas there was an elevated tempo after the restart, the exploits from that win in Krakow have been seen and as Palace ran out of steam, the hosts capitalised and added a 3rd with 13 minutes to undergo Brazilian teenager Rayan, who latched onto a David Brooks ball in behind earlier than slotting residence.
That mentioned, the Palace followers who had made the journey from south London didn’t care. They sang lengthy into the afternoon about being on their solution to Leipzig, the place the Convention League remaining can be held in simply over three weeks.
This was not more than a day trip by the seaside for these supporters, who’re basking within the remaining weeks of Glasner’s tenure earlier than he too departs on the finish of a season after an extended goodbye.
Who can blame them? These are nonetheless the glory days for Palace.
