A contentious second-half penalty from Antoine Semenyo proved decisive as Bournemouth edged past Brighton 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium, securing their second win of the Premier League season.
The Ghanaian forward calmly converted from the spot to notch his third league goal of the campaign after Brazilian striker Evanilson went down under minimal contact from Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Antoine Semenyo scores from the penalty spot against Brighton.
The decision split opinion, with former referee Mike Dean describing it as “a poor on-field call.”
Cherries Strike Fortuitously
Andoni Iraola’s side dominated much of the match but needed slices of fortune in both of their goals to overcome a depleted Brighton.
The visitors’ troubles began almost immediately as Jack Hinshelwood was forced off injured inside the opening two minutes.
Moments later, Brighton were dealt another blow when left-back Maxim De Cuyper was barged into the advertising boards by Semenyo.
Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood picked up an early injury against Bournemouth.
With De Cuyper still receiving treatment off the pitch, Bournemouth attacked down his vacant flank and Alex Scott drilled home the opener to give the hosts a controversial advantage.
Brighton Hit Back Through Mitoma
Despite a disjointed first-half display, Brighton emerged with greater purpose after the restart.
Their brightest spark was 21-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh, who tormented Bournemouth’s defence with his pace and direct running.
Minteh’s persistence paid off in the 55th minute when he whipped in a teasing cross that stranded goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, allowing Kaoru Mitoma to nod home from close range to restore parity.
Kaoru Mitoma equalises for Brighton
Penalty Drama Seals It
However, Brighton’s fightback was short-lived; just 13 minutes later, referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot after Evanilson tumbled under a challenge from Van Hecke.
Semenyo made no mistake, rolling his effort into the bottom corner to seal the win.
Hurzeler Left Frustrated
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was left frustrated by the circumstances surrounding Bournemouth’s opener, insisting his team had been unfairly punished by rules preventing De Cuyper from immediately returning to the pitch after treatment.
“It shouldn’t be like this and then we concede a goal with 10 men,” Hurzeler told Sky Sports. “I think it’s not the right thing. Very unlucky, but we have to accept it. That’s football.”
Dean Slams Penalty Call
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, speaking on Soccer Saturday, was equally critical of the match officials for awarding Bournemouth’s decisive penalty.
“I can’t see it,” Dean said. “There might have been a brush of contact, but it’s nowhere near enough for a penalty. Because there’s a tiny bit of contact, they’ve gone on the referee’s call, but for me it’s a poor decision.”
Teenage Debutant Makes History
Amid the controversy, there was a bright moment for Bournemouth as new signing Veljko Milosavljevic made his debut.
The Serbian teenager, signed on Deadline Day from Red Star Belgrade, became the youngest player in the club’s Premier League history at 18 years, two months and 17 days.
Despite only training with his new teammates for three days, the midfielder impressed his manager.
“It was a difficult position for him, but he came in with rhythm and good form,” Iraola said. “We like what we saw, everything went well with him.”
What It Means
The victory lifts Bournemouth into mid-table, easing early-season pressure on Iraola, while Brighton’s injury-hit squad slipped to another league defeat, leaving Hurzeler with much to ponder.