Antoine Semenyo’s goal after just 53 seconds was enough for Bournemouth to beat Fulham and claim their first Premier League victory in almost two months.
The Cherries enjoyed a lightning-fast start at Vitality Stadium as Semenyo bent a cool finish past Bernd Leno after snatching possession from Antonee Robinson.
Evanilson should have doubled the hosts’ lead 15 minutes later, but the Brazilian smacked Alex Scott’s cutback off the crossbar from close range.
Fulham lacked a clinical edge, with Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon and Joachim Andersen all missing solid chances to grab a leveller before the break.
Despite charging forward and carving better opportunities in the second half, the visitors could not find a way past Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made two strong saves to deny Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic.
Bournemouth felt they should have been awarded a penalty with 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Leno appeared to bring down Evanilson.
However, referee Michael Oliver judged the German keeper to have got a hand to the ball and the video assistant referee backed up the decision.
The victory – Bournemouth’s first in the Premier League since 15 February – moves them level on points with Fulham, although Andoni Iraola’s side leapfrog the Cottagers into eighth thanks to a better goal difference.
Both sides remain in a congested battle for European football next season, with Chelsea and Aston Villa – placed sixth and seventh respectively – six points ahead with six games remaining.
Eighth place is likely to be enough for a Europa Conference League qualification spot, as long as League Cup champions Newcastle and the winners of the FA Cup finish in the top seven.
