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The Cherries supporters likely worried about a downturn when £200m worth of first-team stars departed in the summer.

However retaining one star proved an absolute masterstroke, as the Ghanaian forward has inspired their climb to second spot in the top flight.

The 25-year-old scored twice and provided an assist as the south coast club overturned a deficit to defeat Fulham 3-1 on the weekend, moving to within one point of Premier League table-toppers the Reds.

The opening strike to equalise was spectacular as he picked up the ball on the flank, left opponents in his wake, advanced to the touchline and slotted the ball past Bernd Leno's legs from a tight angle.

He then, he assisted Justin Kluivert's goal before netting in stoppage time on a fast break.

This takes him up to sixth Premier League goals this season, only behind City's prolific striker Erling Haaland.

Since the start of May, he has been directly involved in a greater number of goals than any other player in the Premier League (12 – eight goals, 4 assists).

Impressive for a player the Robins signed from the South Gloucestershire and Stroud College academy at the young age of 17.

"We had a hard night to play football, but it didn't matter to Semenyo," stated former England player Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports.

"He moves across that surface. An amazing, unique player. So wonderful to see.

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

The Star in Flying Condition

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While nearly 50% of Bournemouth's first team left in the summer, Semenyo was linked with moves to Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

However in the end he agreed to a five-year deal back on July 1st.

And that has proved to be excellent business for the club, for he is among the form footballers in the Premier League right now.

Last season, the 25-year-old attacker reached 10+ goals for the first time in his career – eleven goals in the Premier League, thirteen in total.

Now, he has scored six goals in his first seven Premier League matches and set up an additional three.

Semenyo was asked following the match if this was the best form of his life.

"Yes, I'd say so," he responded. "I'm grateful to God massively. He's played a massive part in my life and I'm just enjoying the rewards now. So yes, I thank him constantly."

Many clubs wishing they had taken the gamble on him before.

The player qualifies for Ghana through his parent, but he is hails from London. He was rejected by the Gunners, Tottenham and the Lions as a teenager before landing in a West Country academy managed by ex- United and Rovers coach the coach.

Bristol City acquired him in 2017, but he required loan spells at Bath, Newport and the Black Cats before breaking into the Robins first team in 2020-21.

In January 2023, he made the £10m transfer to the Cherries – and he has been progressing continuously.

"I think he is a player with self-belief," commented boss Andoni Iraola.

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

His statistics are exceptional currently. He is top in the league for duels won, leading for ball won in the attacking area, runner-up for high-speed runs and top five for dribbles. Plus all those goals, naturally.

Team-mate Kluivert said: "He's incredible. He shows it every game now. He is just world class."

'Iraola Can Coach Any Team'

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The Cherries manager Andoni Iraola will be a coach in high demand when he decides to leave.

He, a Spanish coach, has been in charge since last year after the unexpected sacking of his predecessor.

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

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

They have not been as elevated as second in the Premier League after two matches into a campaign.

Apart from his notable work in maintaining a successful squad, despite it seemed all their stars were departing in the summer, his tactics were spot on on Friday.

For six minutes he had 3 backline players on the field instead of 4. And that turned the match.

Late in the game he introduced a attacker for a defensive player. They were 1-0 down.

In the 85th minute, he substituted a forward for a defender. The team was 2-1 up.

"We had to be bold and introduce more offensive personnel and it paid off," he said. "Our squad have to make the impact and today they made it."

Kluivert commented: "He is incredible. If you see even the players that have departed the club, how we are performing at the moment is incredible.

"I always say that the driver of the bus is the manager and he is driving us on a amazing path. Amazing leader, so we follow him."

Redknapp stated: "Iraola could manage any team in the sport.

"He develops players, everything they do is exciting. They have to enjoy him while he is with them. For how much longer? It's uncertain?

"Is it possible for them to keep achieving the unthinkable, like getting into the top six? They merit it and anything is attainable as long as they retain the manager because he is that big an asset for the club."

Bournemouth Handle Summer Overhaul in Their Stride

Many believed that Bournemouth exceeded expectations when they ended ninth the previous campaign – and for a while there was also talk of European competition.

And then three of their defensive line – Illia Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Dean Huijsen – left for several the continent's elite teams for almost £150m.

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