Bournemouth’s run since January culminates in victory over PL title hopeful

The Cherries’ remarkable run since January culminated in a Premier League victory over title hopeful Arsenal on Saturday.

Bournemouth’s recruitment has been in the spotlight in the past few years.

Last season was probably the best in their history, with their highest Premier League points total (56) and joint best position – ninth.

The Cherries had to replace three of their back four, plus their goalkeeper and still recovered.

Forward Dango Ouattara also left in the summer, joining Brentford for £42.5m, but it really felt like losing Semenyo could be unsurmountable.

The right winger had scored 10 goals this season before leaving – including a last-minute winner in his final game against Tottenham – and chipped in with a few assists.

That farewell gift ended an 11-game winless run, and showcased Bournemouth’s ability to move on from losing star players within an ongoing season.

“You have to give credit to the manager but also to the recruitment department. Losing three of their back four last summer, losing Semenyo in January – nobody would have been critical if they’d fallen off,” said BBC Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy.

The Cherries’ record 12th Premier League game without defeat boosted their European hopes, and threw a spanner into the works of Arsenal’s title bid.

Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott struck as the Cherries beat the Gunners 2-1 at Emirates Stadium.

Andoni Iraola’s side have not lost a game since star forward Antoine Semenyo left for Manchester City in January.

And that came following the exits of three of their defenders to some of Europe’s largest teams in the summer – plus the loss of another big-money forward.

“But they don’t, they bring in another one, then another one: Rayan, Kroupi looks like a star in the making, both full-backs have done really well. It’s credit to the way the club’s run.”

Scott’s second-half winner on Saturday also sparked talk of a World Cup spot with England this summer.