Bournemouth thrash Nottingham Forest
AFC Bournemouth 5 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth delivered a scintillating performance to extend their club-record unbeaten Premier League run to 11 games, dismantling high-flying Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Fresh from a stunning 4-1 victory over Newcastle United, the Cherries showed no signs of slowing down under Andoni Iraola, with Dango Ouattara stealing the show with a brilliant hat-trick. Forest, enjoying an impressive season in third place, were left shell-shocked as Bournemouth tore through their usually solid defence.
Justin Kluivert set the tone early, scoring his 11th league goal in the ninth minute with a 25-yard strike after Forest’s defenders backed off. Any hopes of a Forest comeback were dashed in the second half when Bournemouth hit top gear. Ouattara headed in Kluivert’s pinpoint cross in the 55th minute and doubled his tally with a clinical finish six minutes later.
The Cherries showed no mercy as Marcus Tavernier’s effort was spilled by the usually dependable Matz Sels, allowing Ouattara to complete his hat-trick. Antoine Semenyo added a fifth in stoppage time, capping a dominant display that left Forest in tatters.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
Should Bournemouth fans get their passports ready?
A remarkable afternoon for Bournemouth More reaction from European Super Football by clicking the link below ⬇️⬇️ eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/search/label...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 26 January 2025 at 12:27
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Bournemouth fans revelled in chants of a "European tour" as their side outclassed another heavyweight, following their dismantling of Arsenal and Manchester City earlier in the season.
While Ouattara grabbed the headlines, Bournemouth’s success was built on a collective effort. Kluivert shone as both creator and scorer, while Semenyo’s industrious display was rewarded with a late goal. Behind them, Iraola’s side demonstrated their tactical organisation, energy in midfield, and defensive resilience, with Kepa Arrizabalaga providing leadership between the posts.
This result cements Bournemouth’s credentials as European contenders, with their flowing football and impeccable form suggesting this run is far from a fluke. Next up, they face league leaders Liverpool, who will face a serious test against a Cherries side brimming with confidence and ambition.
Bournemouth’s European dream is alive and well – and on this evidence, deservedly so.
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A bad day for Forest
Nottingham Forest have brought a thrilling sense of unpredictability to the Premier League this season, climbing to third and earning comparisons with title contenders like Liverpool and Arsenal.
But this was, without question, their worst day of the campaign—a chastening 90 minutes that left manager Nuno Espirito Santo and his team with plenty to ponder.
From the outset, Forest were unrecognisable. The defensive solidity that has underpinned their rise crumbled as early as the ninth minute when they allowed Justin Kluivert the time and space to fire Bournemouth into the lead.
Key players had an afternoon to forget. Murillo, usually so dependable, endured a torrid time, while goalkeeper Matz Sels uncharacteristically faltered. Ouattara outjumped Murillo at the far post for the first of his three goals, and Sels unluckily parried Marcus Tavernier’s straightforward shot straight into Ouattara’s path to complete the hat-trick.
Anthony Elanga worked tirelessly in an attempt to lift his side, but Forest lacked their usual spark. It was a performance devoid of the resilience and creativity that have made them such a surprise package this season.
Despite the setback, Nuno won't panic. Known for his calm and measured approach, he’ll be focused on addressing the issues and getting Forest back on track after this jarring wake-up call.
