Bournemouth defeat Nottingham Forest to go second on EPL table
Bournemouth moved up to second place in the Premier League table with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, spoiling Sean Dyche‘s first league game in charge of the visitors.
The win extends Bournemouth’s excellent run under head coach Andoni Iraola, earning them their best-ever start to a top-flight season and pushing them within four points of leaders Arsenal.
Forest, buoyed by their midweek Europa League victory over Porto, were outplayed from start to finish by Andoni Iraola’s in-form side, who extended their unbeaten run to eight league matches, their best-ever start to a top-flight season.
The opening goal came when Marcus Tavernier scored directly from a corner midway through the first half. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing it to sail into the net. Forest players protested furiously, arguing the corner should never have been awarded.
Dyche, who was booked for dissent, voiced his frustration after the match.
“Everyone can see it’s a goal kick. It’s really hard for us managers when the linesperson gives the goal kick, then the referee, who can’t see it, overrules them. That’s really tough to take. Sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up, because that’s a really poor moment.”
Bournemouth doubled their lead just before halftime when Eli Junior Kroupi netted his fourth goal in three league games, finishing off a slick attacking move that highlighted the Cherries’ growing confidence under Iraola.
Forest offered little threat in response, struggling to create clear chances as Bournemouth controlled possession and tempo throughout.
The result leaves Forest in the relegation zone after their sixth league defeat of the campaign, while Bournemouth now sit four points behind leaders Arsenal.
