Bournemouth continued their push for a top-10 Premier League finish by thrashing direct rivals Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, bringing up their record top-flight points tally.
Marcos Senesi headed Bournemouth in front after just 13 minutes, with Roberto De Zerbi cutting a frustrated figure as Brighton failed to make their dominance of possession count.
Andoni Iraola’s in-form Cherries doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half, Enes Unal heading Dango Ouattara’s cross into the far corner on his first Premier League start.
Justin Kluivert then added a third late on, running at a tired Brighton backline before driving home on his left foot to cap an enjoyable outing for the hosts.
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They are up to 10th with 48 points, two more than they managed in their previous best Premier League campaign, which came under Eddie Howe in 2016-17.
They leapfrogged Wolves, who had moved into the top half with Saturday’s win over Luton Town, while Brighton stay in 12th, their winless run standing at six matches as doubt continues to be cast upon De Zerbi’s future with the club.
Asked about the significance of surpassing their previous best points tally in the top tier, Bournemouth defender Adam Smith told Sky Sports: “It’s the most talented group we’ve had here in years.
WHAT. A. TEAM. 😍
48 points, our NEW @premierleague record points tally 😤 pic.twitter.com/FoJqRxlUei
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) April 28, 2024
“It is a great result and amazing to beat our points total, that was our aim.
“Today was tough, we knew they’d have most of the ball. We had to dig in and they didn’t have many clear-cut chances and we’re so dangerous in transition and that’s what we did. It is a great result.
“In each wide area and up top, we’ve got so much pace. We’re such a dynamic team and that is how we play and it is causing teams issues.”
