In one of the most exciting games of the second-half of the season, Bournemouth topped Swansea City in a 3-2 win in which the Cherries had to break a tie three times – including a late rally in the final ten minutes.
Though the two sides were reasonably clear of the relegation zone, Bournemouth fans at Goldsands Stadium were understandably nervous about having to face the bottom-five side with just ten points clear of the bottom. But they would not have to be too concerned about losing points today.
Of all the people to start the scoring frenzy, it was midfielder Max Gradel, fit after a six-month injury spell from a knee injury in August, who scored the first goal on a beautiful shot after Lucasz Fabianski’s deflection fell right into his lap.
Swansea would quickly equalize though, as Modou Barrow made a strike of his own past Artur Boruc to tie the game 1-1 at halftime.
The two sides would exchange goals in the second half, with Joshua King receiving an assist from Gradel on a goal of his own, only for Gylfi Sigurdsson to equalize for the Swans again minutes later.
Finally though, Bournemouth managed to get ahead for good thanks to a 78′ header from Steve Cook to seal the 3-2 win.
The win puts Bournemouth 13 points clear of the relegation zone with eight games left to play. 11 points in their final eight games would almost certainly guarantee safety.
SEE MORE:
Arsenal linked with €15m gamble on Serie A starlet
Video: Barcelona 6-0 Getafe – Neymar bags twice as visitors are blown away by Barca masterclass