Bournemouth secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, clinching their highest points tally in the Premier League era with three games still to play.
Goals from Marco Senesi, Enes Unal, and Justin Kluivert ensured the Cherries’ triumph at home.
With this win, Bournemouth, currently in the 10th spot, have amassed 48 points, surpassing their previous best of 46 points achieved in the 2016-17 season.
Their South-coast rivals, Brighton, who finished sixth last season, now stand in 12th place with 44 points.
Despite Brighton dominating possession in the initial half, it was Senesi who capitalized on a corner in the 13th minute, nodding in the opening goal.
Despite their possession, Brighton managed just one shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
Enes Unal, making his maiden Premier League start this season after 12 substitute appearances, missed a couple of opportunities before heading in Bournemouth’s second goal seven minutes into the second half.
Brighton’s substitute Julio Enciso made an immediate impact upon his introduction in the 66th minute, missing a good opportunity before narrowly missing the target with a curling effort.
However, it was Kluivert who sealed the victory for Bournemouth with a brilliant solo run down the right flank, cutting inside Lewis Dunk and firing past the goalkeeper.
The match was marred only by Antoine Semenyo’s injury in stoppage time, though Bournemouth extended Brighton’s winless league run to six games.
Adam Smith, a Bournemouth defender since 2014, hailed the team’s performance, acknowledging them as the most talented group in years.
He also credited coach Andoni Iraola, who took over in June 2023, for the team’s remarkable progress, praising his tactical acumen and the team’s adaptability to his style of play.