Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo scored a first-half goal and was instrumental in setting up another to put his side on their way to a convincing 3-1 home win over struggling Southampton in the Premier League on Monday bring to.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola had to watch from the stands as he served a suspension after picking up his third yellow card of the season against Liverpool, but his presence on the bench was hard to miss as his side left Southampton in the first 45 rolled over in minutes.

Brazilian striker Evanilson opened the scoring with a deft finish from Marcus Tavernier’s quick free-kick in the 17th minute, firing the ball past Aaron Ramsdale for his first goal for the club since his arrival for a reported £40.2 million from FC Porto in August.

Semenyo orchestrated the second goal 15 minutes later with a rapid run down the right wing, setting up a shot from Lewis Cook that was deflected by teammate Dango Ouattara and fired into the net, with the latter being credited with the goal.

Ghana striker Semenyo scored the goal his trade deserved in the 39th minute, cutting in from the right again but this time firing a right-footed shot at the foot of the far post.

---

Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis stooped to score his first Premier League goal in the 51st minute, but it wasn’t enough as Semenyo continued to torment the Southampton defense from his right-hand position, with Evanlison and Ryan Christie both almost scored fourth for the Cherries.

In the end it wasn’t necessary as Bournemouth recorded their first home win of the season and moved up to 11th place with eight points, while Southampton suffered their fifth defeat in six league games and remained in 19th place with one point.

Semenyo said the opening goal may have looked opportunistic but it was actually something Bournemouth had in mind ahead of the game.

“We watched a few videos in the meetings at the weekend and knew we could catch them with quick free kicks,” he told Sky Sports.

Southampton coach Russell Martin criticized his team for their poor performance in the first half.

“I didn’t recognize our team. Normally I’m proud of them for their courage (but) they showed no aggression, no courage, no intensity while playing,” Russell said.

“In the second half they show a lot of fight and courage, but it’s too late, so the first half hurts me. I’m really, really, really disappointed with this.”