Tavernier stars as Bournemouth smash Sheffield Utd away
Both sides will have been aiming to continue the positive form they showed before the international break, and it was the Cherries who did just that.
Having already enjoyed plenty of possession, Andoni Iraola’s side took the lead just 12 minutes in as Antoine Semenyo drove inside and played a pinpoint pass to find Marcus Tavernier, who applied a clinical finish for his first goal of the season.
Bournemouth showed further promise as the half progressed, with Justin Kluivert and Dominic Solanke both hitting the side netting.
Semenyo should have had another assist for Tavernier after beating Oliver Norwood and getting a great ball in, but the midfielder blazed his effort harmlessly over the crossbar.
The Cherries still doubled their lead before the break, as Kluivert capitalised on a calamitous touch from Wes Foderingham by turning the ball into the vacant net for his first PL goal.
It took just five second-half minutes for Tavernier to get on the scoresheet again, as he nipped in ahead of the flat-footed Anel Ahmedhodžić to meet Adam Smith’s cross with a clinical finish.
The frustrations being felt by the Blades were encapsulated by a challenge from Baldock that resulted in a big coming together between the two sides.
Bournemouth remained unfazed and Luis Sinisterra dragged his shot agonisingly wide after leaving Auston Trusty in his wake.
There was a nice moment when David Brooks was given a round of applause from the home support when he came on as a late substitute and Oli McBurnie’s late header provided a late consolation, but Sheffield United still suffered their first defeat in three to remain bottom of the PL table.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth earned the third win in their last four league matches and their first away win of the season to continue their positive momentum.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marcus Tavernier (AFC Bournemouth)
