Bournemouth seals comfortable win over Leeds
Bournemouth extended its superb winning streak to six matches across all competitions after it defeated Leeds United 2-0 at Vitality Stadium in the Premier League.
Evanilson and Amine Adli struck either side of half-time for Marco Rose's side, which after a difficult start to the season, lifted itself up to seventh on the table.
But it was Leeds that made the livelier start on the south coast, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming within inches of getting a touch on Daniel James's inviting low cross.
Calvert-Lewin thought he made amends when he bundled the ball into the net to cap a fine bit of one-touch play between Harry Wilson and James Justin, but his celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review for a handball against the England international.
The Cherries eventually showed signs of life and took an unexpected lead in the 31st minute as they capitalised on James Trafford's sloppy pass, with Justin Kluivert pinching possession before teeing up Evanilson to score.
Further half-chances fell before the break as Bournemouth grew in confidence, with Trafford awkwardly parrying Rayan's dangerous delivery before standing firm to deny the in-form Marcus Tavernier from the edge of the area.
Leeds struggled to rediscover its early rhythm in the second half, with Rayan and Tyler Adams testing Trafford's reflexes in quick succession.
The visitors' best opportunity of the half fell to Justin soon after, who could not guide Wilson's pinpoint cross on target, while substitute Lukas Nmecha saw his quickfire shot blocked strongly as the Cherries held firm.
Adli sealed the victory with the final kick of the game, controlling a delicate, incisive pass from Junior Kroupi before side-footing calmly into the bottom corner and past a helpless Trafford to seal all three points.
Bournemouth boss Rose believes his side is starting to reap the rewards of its hard work.
"We got better and better, we scored the goals in the right moments and that's why we are quite happy," the German said.
"I remember all the stories we had five or six weeks ago, in a different situation. I'm quite happy we changed the momentum and finally rewarded ourselves."
Bournemouth's turnaround has been built on a formidable defensive platform. The Cherries have not conceded during its six-match winning streak.
However, Rose insisted there was no secret behind his side's improvement, adding: "Nothing special, to be honest.
"We have our patterns, we know how to defend the box, and we know what we have to do. It's about small things at this level, especially against such good opposition."
Rose also reserved praise for Evanilson, who has now scored in four consecutive Premier League matches, the longest streak of his top-flight career.
"He was always hard working in and out of possession," Rose said of Evanilson.
"The only thing he lacked was scoring by himself and that's what he's started now. I hope he's getting on a run, because that's very important for us."
In the opposite dugout, Leeds boss Daniel Farke felt the scoreline did not accurately reflect his side's performance.
"Football is brutal sometimes, it can feel like the most unfair sport in the world," he said.
"We would have deserved so much more. Overall, it was a really good away game, but if you read the result, it reads different."
