Semenyo shines and stumbles as Bournemouth hold Chelsea at stamford bridge

Antoine Semenyo played a central role at both ends as Bournemouth earned a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Chelsea, setting up two goals but also conceding a penalty amid growing speculation over a move to Manchester City, Sport360NG reports.

The 25-year-old forward, who is understood to be in advanced talks over a £65m switch to the Etihad Stadium, featured for the Cherries and made an immediate impact. His long throw-ins proved a potent weapon, with the first leading to David Brooks opening the scoring from close range inside six minutes.

Chelsea responded quickly and turned the game on its head after Semenyo was penalised for bringing down Estevao Willian in the area. Referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot following a pitch-side VAR review, and Cole Palmer kept his composure to score despite Djordje Petrovic diving the right way. Enzo Fernandez then fired Chelsea in front with a fine finish into the top corner midway through the first half.

Bournemouth struck back just four minutes later, once again capitalising on Semenyo’s long throw. Justin Kluivert reacted quickest to tap in from close range and restore parity in a breathless opening period.

The visitors were the more threatening side before the break, registering 14 first-half attempts and repeatedly testing Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Enzo Maresca responded at half-time by introducing captain Reece James and Pedro Neto in place of Josh Acheampong and Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea pushed harder after the interval but struggled to turn possession into clear chances. VAR dismissed appeals for handball against Malo Gusto, while Petrovic produced a smart save to deny Estevao from the edge of the box. Fernandez missed Chelsea’s best opportunity of the second half when he blazed over from inside the area late on.

Maresca’s decision to withdraw Palmer for Joao Pedro was met with boos from sections of the home crowd, and despite late pressure, Chelsea were unable to find a winner. Bournemouth came closest in stoppage time when substitute Enes Unal volleyed over from 12 yards after a cross from Amine Adli.

The result leaves Chelsea with just one win in their past seven league matches, while Bournemouth’s wait for a victory stretches to 10 games.