Late Semenyo goal earns Bournemouth draw away at Forest
The contest had barely begun when an innocuous-looking collision between Semenyo and Forest midfielder Danilo forced the Brazilian to undergo lengthy treatment on the field, amidst fears of serious leg injury on his 50th appearance for the club.
When play eventually resumed, it was Forest who gained the ascendancy with last season’s leading scorer Wood picking up where he left off last term.
After substitute Ryan Yates broke forward and drove a powerful shot against the body of Cherries keeper Neto, Wood was on hand to clinically slot home.
The visitors looked to have scrambled their way back on level terms following a well-worked corner that was eventually declared offside upon review as Forest fended off a late spell of pressure to take a slender lead into the break.
Bournemouth continued to press after the break as a scrappy yet competitive second half ensued.
Shortly after the hour mark, Willy Boly drew a reactive save from Neto with a powerful header that was turned around the post as Forest threatened to extend their advantage, before Semenyo drilled a low shot into the palms of Matz Sels from the edge of the area at the other end.
The introduction of record summer signing Elliot Anderson buoyed the City Ground faithful as the game entered the final stages.
It appeared Bournemouth would be left to rue the absence of departed forward Dominic Solanke until three minutes from time when Harry Toffolo’s failed clearance ricocheted off Murillo, allowing Semenyo to tap in from close range.
The late equaliser denied Forest what would’ve been their first victory in nine league meetings against the Cherries.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola will be looking to newly signed striker Evanilson to help his side improve on last season’s club-record 48-point tally.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
