PL: Bournemouth secure fifth spot with 3-1 triumph over Southampton

Bournemouth secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s, moving up to fifth place in the Premier League standings. Goals from Dango Ouattara, Ryan Christie, and Marcus Tavernier ensured Andoni Iraola’s side continued their impressive form.  

Ouattara opened the scoring by heading in Christie’s cross, making the most of his opportunity in the absence of injured strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal.

Christie then doubled the lead with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box past Aaron Ramsdale.

Southampton attempted a comeback when Kamaldeen Sulemana pulled one back in the 72nd minute, setting up a tense finale. However, Tavernier’s late strike sealed the win, allowing Bournemouth to overtake Newcastle and Chelsea in the league table.

Bournemouth dominated for much of the game but did not have to be at their scintillating best to defeat a Saints side who, for all their endeavour, lacked confidence.

After Christie’s cross was glanced in by an unmarked Ouattara, the hosts gave the ball away on the edge of their own box and the Scotland midfielder punished them with a fine finish beyond Ramsdale.

The England keeper kept the deficit to two with remarkable stops from Semenyo – following a superb run – and Christie, before Sulemana gave the home side hope with a low drive.

Despite the boost his goal gave the Saints, they lacked the cutting edge to capitalise and were hit on the break by a devastating Tavernier finish.

Southampton remain rooted to the foot of the table, 10 points from safety.