A. Semenyo's Pivotal Role Secures AFC Bournemouth a Thrilling 2-2 Draw at Chelsea.
Semenyo played the entire match as Palmer was substituted in the second half.
Match Summary
Two assists from Semenyo's long throw-ins led to strikes by Brooks and Kluivert.
Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez found the net for Chelsea in a frantic first half.
Enzo Fernandez missed the best opportunity of a goalless second period.
In the midst of advanced transfer talks, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo delivered a mixed performance, setting up two goals and giving away a spot-kick in a thrilling draw with Chelsea.
Despite being on the verge of a lucrative switch, the 25-year-old attacker started for his club. His distinctive long throw-ins proved a potent weapon, leading to goals for teammates David Brooks and Justin Kluivert.
Brooks opened the scoring just six minutes in, converting from close quarters after a dangerous long throw from Semenyo.
The home side equalized and went ahead following a foul by Semenyo on Estevao in the box. The match official awarded a penalty after a review by the Video Assistant Referee system.
Cole Palmer stepped up and converted the penalty, finding the corner despite the goalkeeper guessing correctly. Fernandez made it 2-1 with a stunning strike into the top corner midway through the first half.
Kluivert leveled the scores again shortly after, tapping home from another precise long throw delivered by Semenyo.
The visitors finished the first period on top, forcing Sanchez into several saves from their 14 first-half efforts.
At halftime, Chelsea's manager made two changes, introducing captain Reece James and Pedro Neto for Josh Acheampong and Alejandro Garnacho.
Early in the second half, a handball appeal against Malo Gusto was dismissed by the VAR official. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic then produced an excellent save to deny Estevao from distance.
Fernandez had the clearest opportunity to win it late on, but he skied his effort from a promising position inside the penalty area.
Moments earlier, Palmer was substituted for Joao Pedro, a change that was met with disapproval from some home supporters. Despite growing dominance in the latter stages, Chelsea could not find a decisive late goal.
Deep into added time, Unal connected with an Adli cross but sent his volley over the bar from a central position.
The result means Chelsea have managed just one victory in their last seven league outings. Bournemouth's winless streak now stretches to ten matches across all competitions.
