A. Semenyo's Pivotal Role Earns AFC Bournemouth a Thrilling 2-2 Draw at Chelsea.
The forward completed the full game while his counterpart was withdrawn after the hour mark.
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.
The second half's clearest chance fell to Fernandez, who failed to convert.
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. Referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor.
Palmer calmly dispatched the penalty, placing it perfectly into the corner even though the keeper dove the right way. Fernandez made it 2-1 with a stunning strike into the top corner midway through the first half.
Bournemouth hit back almost immediately, as another Semenyo long throw was turned in by Justin Kluivert from close range just four minutes later.
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. Petrovic, once of Chelsea, made a fantastic stop to keep out Estevao's powerful drive from the edge of the area.
The best chance of the second half fell to Enzo Fernandez in the 77th minute, but he blazed his shot over the bar from inside the box.
Moments earlier, Palmer was substituted for Joao Pedro, a change that was met with disapproval from some home supporters. Although they enjoyed more possession late on, the hosts were unable to craft a winning goal.
Deep into added time, Unal connected with an Adli cross but sent his volley over the bar from a central position.
This draw extends Chelsea's poor run to only one win in their previous seven Premier League matches. For Bournemouth, the point does little to improve their own form, as they remain without a win in ten games.
