Another exhilarating Premier League campaign is in its second international break, meaning it’s the perfect time to go over some of the highlights so far.

Amidst Liverpool’s title defence, Manchester City’s attempts at redemption, and Arsenal’s steady charge, one of the understated talking points has been Bournemouth’s ever-rising stock.

Since Andoni Iraola replaced Gary O’Neil ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the Cherries have reestablished themselves as a solid Premier League side.

Following the club’s takeover by Black Knight Football Club during their first season back in the top-flight, the South Coast side are making a good impression in the top division.

Having finished ninth in 2024/25, Bournemouth have been even better this term as they built on their momentum from the last two seasons rather than crumble as expected.

Their only league defeat came on the opening night of the season, away at Liverpool, but they were made to sweat for all three points when Fulham took a 70th-minute lead last time out.

However, Antoine Semenyo kick-started a sensational comeback with a brilliant run to the byline and finish from a tight angle. The Ghana International was credited with the assist for Justin Kluivert’s ferocious drive into the top corner before he completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time.

The 3-1 victory over the Cottagers moved Bournemouth into fourth place heading into the October international break, two points off top spot.

Iraola’s side deserve even more credit for their incredible form, considering the number of key players that were sold for big fees over the summer.

Despite losing defenders Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi to Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, the Cherries have still conceded fewer goals than the defending champions.

Bournemouth’s net spend of -£100m in the summer window was the lowest in the league, yet they are playing like a much-improved side. This is all thanks to the man in charge, Iraola.   

The Cherry on top

His start to life was rather poor, as despite promising performances there were no wins in the first nine games, until an easier run of fixtures that November that saw Bournemouth win six out of the following seven matches.

The Basque manager eventually led them to 48 points and a 12th-place finish in his first season, their best Premier League points tally. However, even better was to come in 2024/25 when they once again broke their record total by gathering 56 points and equalling their best-ever top-flight finish of ninth.

Meanwhile, the club also recorded their most wins in a Premier League season (15), fewest defeats (12), most goals scored (58), and fewest goals conceded (46). Losing three important defenders and their goalkeeper was meant to destabilise them, but Bournemouth have gone on leaps and bounds this term.

Boscombe are now enjoying their best-ever start to a top-flight season, with 14 points after seven matches, including some very impressive performances. 

Notably, Semenyo’s impact has drawn the most adulation with six goals and three assists, making it nine direct involvements in their 11 goals so far. Bournemouth would be nine points worse off without the Ghana international’s attacking contributions, as he is earning a reputation as the best player outside of the big six clubs in the league. 

Semenyo’s displays are a continuation of his brilliant showings last season when he scored 11 times and laid on a further six assists. Interest from other clubs were put to bed by a contract extension over the summer, and he is on course to better his appeal this term. 

Gigantic efforts

Iraola likes his team to create high turnovers, with quick wingers and tireless midfield runners helping to catch the opposition off guard. That high-energy system has undoubtedly brought the best out of the 25-year-old who does his best work when running with the ball.

Indeed, Semenyo’s scoring tally has already risen from eight to 13 goals, and he is on course for even more in his third season under Iraola. His defensive work has been just as good in Bournemouth’s aggressive, man-oriented press which is a crucial element of their game. 

The selfless work from the likes of Semenyo has contributed to a collective improvement in the defensive phase, with three clean sheets from their seven Premier League games so far. That Bournemouth only managed to keep nine shutouts throughout last season is a testament to their defensive improvement in spite of all the departures.

Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi has been key to that solidity having sat out most of last term due to a hamstring surgery. Senesi has taken over the deep-lying playmaker role that Huijsen played to high standards, controlling the speed and direction of Bournemouth’s build-up play.

The accuracy in the 28-year-old’s progressive passing has given the South Coast side a platform to continue their impressive form, and they will be aiming for an European qualification spot. 

Iraola has allowed the Cherries to dream big, but they must enjoy it while it lasts due to mounting interest in their manager, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The 43-year-old has improved many of these Bournemouth players, showing he is technically savvy, smart and flexible enough to get the best out of the available resources.

The club are keen to extend Iraola’s stay but he is surely destined for greater things, the priority must be to maximise his qualities as he aims to reestablish Bournemouth as a seasoned Premier League side.