Bournemouth kept their push for European qualification alive with a commanding 3–0 Premier League victory over a poor Crystal Palace side at the Vitality Stadium.
The hosts were handed an early breakthrough in bizarre circumstances when former Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma inadvertently turned a looping effort into his own net under pressure, giving Andoni Iraola’s men a 10th-minute lead.
Bournemouth stayed in control and doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute after Junior Kroupi calmly converted from the penalty spot, following a chaotic moment in the Palace box involving goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The young forward continued his fine scoring form, taking his season tally to 12 goals.
Palace, who are juggling domestic duties with their Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk, looked disjointed throughout a heavily rotated side selected by Oliver Glasner. The Eagles failed to register a shot in a one-sided first half.
After the break, Glasner introduced several changes including Ismaïla Sarr, Tyrick Mitchell and Adam Wharton in search of a response.
Sarr, who had scored in midweek European action, came closest for the visitors but saw a late effort rebound off the post.
Bournemouth, however, remained in control and eventually sealed the win in the 77th minute when Brazilian winger Rayan finished smartly after being played through by substitute David Brooks, scoring in back-to-back matches.
There was still time for Sarr to threaten a consolation, striking the woodwork late on, but Bournemouth comfortably saw out the contest to extend their unbeaten league run to 15 matches.
The result lifts Iraola’s side into sixth place, strengthening their hopes of a first-ever European campaign, as attention builds around incoming coach Marco Rose ahead of next season.
