Bournemouth brilliantly recovered from 2-0 behind at half-time to claim a stunning Premier League victory against free-spending Nottingham Forest.
Jaidon Anthony was the match-winner for the visitors in the 87th minute, stroking in from Dominic Solanke’s pass after the striker had dispossessed Scott McKenna deep in his own half.
Having looked out of the contest at the break, the managerless Cherries, led by caretaker Gary O’Neil, have now claimed a draw and a win since the 9-0 thrashing by Liverpool and the subsequent sacking of Scott Parker.
Their afternoon did not start well when the home side took the lead through Cheikhou Kouyate, who rose highest to power in a header from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross.
Brennan Johnson doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot after a long VAR check, with Lloyd Kelly penalised for handball.
But Bournemouth showed their powers of recovery in the second period through Philip Billing’s thumping long-range strike and Solanke’s acrobatic effort, before Anthony sealed victory late on.
Cherries caretaker manager Gary O’Neil said afterwards: “We just believed. The first half scoreline was harsh and there were moments we wasted but we were well in the game. Going in at 2-0 was a real blow for us. The boys still believed, made a few changes and dug in. Proud of what we achieved.
“The tactical change gave us control and caused them some problems. Give full credit to the boys, 2-0 down at a tough place especially where they have ben in the last few weeks. Massive for the boys.
“They are the best group I have worked with, intensity wise they are relentless and you saw that today. There is still work to do but the boys put so much in and they deserved that today.
“I enjoyed the second half. The Wolves game and first half here were tough. It has been a whirlwind the last four, five days and the staff still here have been so good for me. The full support.”
Asked if he wants the job full-time, O’Neil added: “I still haven’t considered it, just desperate to get as many points for the club as I can. My thoughts are are now on getting ready for Brighton. Let’s get the boys in and get to work.”
