Bournemouth move into European places as unbeaten run continues with Palace win

TL;DR

Bournemouth secured a 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace, moving into sixth place and closer to European football for the first time. The win featured a controversial penalty decision and a goal from former player Jefferson Lerma.

Key points

Bournemouth won 3-0 against Crystal Palace
The victory moved Bournemouth into sixth place
Jefferson Lerma scored the opening goal
A controversial penalty decision favored Bournemouth
This could lead to European football for Bournemouth

BournemouthCrystal PalaceJefferson LermaDean Henderson

Bournemouth moved one step closer to securing European football for the first time in their history after climbing into sixth with a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace at home.

The Cherries were handed the perfect start when their former player Jefferson Lerma guided Evanilson's header over the line in the 10th minute before Eli Junior Kroupi got the chance to double their advantage with a controversial penalty just after the half-hour mark.

Dean Henderson was deemed to have caught Marcos Senesi in the box - despite minimal contact - after clawing to retrieve the ball he had dropped while claiming a corner.

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"He drops the ball. But he doesn't put an arm out or anything [to trip Senesi]," Glenn Murray said on Sky Sports. "I think this is extremely soft."

VAR confirmed the on-field call before Kroupi rifled his spot-kick into the bottom left corner, moving the 19-year-old striker level with Robbie Fowler for most goals scored in their debut season in the top-flight as a teenager (12).

Palace boss Oliver Glasner made five changes to the team that beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final three days prior but quickly called upon the services of Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton and Ismalia Sarr at the break in search of a response.

Q&A

How did Bournemouth's win against Crystal Palace affect their league position?

Bournemouth's 3-0 win against Crystal Palace moved them into sixth place in the Premier League, enhancing their chances of qualifying for European football.

What was controversial about the penalty awarded to Bournemouth?

The penalty awarded to Bournemouth was controversial because it was deemed to be a soft decision, with minimal contact between Dean Henderson and Marcos Senesi.

Who scored the first goal for Bournemouth in the match against Crystal Palace?

Jefferson Lerma scored the first goal for Bournemouth by guiding Evanilson's header over the line in the 10th minute.

When was the last time Bournemouth qualified for European football?

Bournemouth has never qualified for European football before, making their current position in sixth place significant for the club's history.