Bournemouth edged past Brighton 2-1 on Saturday, with Antoine Semenyo’s contentious second-half penalty proving decisive at the Vitality Stadium.
The Ghanaian forward calmly converted from the spot for his third goal of the season after Evanilson went down under light contact from Jan Paul van Hecke, a decision that left the visitors furious.
Andoni Iraola’s side controlled much of the game but relied on fortune for both their goals against Fabian Hurzeler’s injury-hit Seagulls.
Brighton’s troubles began almost immediately as Jack Hinshelwood limped off inside two minutes.
Moments later, Maxim De Cuyper was shoved into the advertising boards and temporarily off the pitch when Alex Scott pounced to give Bournemouth the lead.
Despite looking ragged for much of the opening half, Brighton came alive after the break. The lively Yankuba Minteh tormented the Cherries’ defence and delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Kaoru Mitoma nodded into an empty net to restore parity.
However, hopes of a comeback were short-lived. With just under 15 minutes played in the second period, referee’s whistle and Semenyo’s clinical finish from 12 yards ensured Bournemouth claimed all three points.
