Bournemouth continue push for Europe with big win over Crystal Palace

WATCH NOW: GB News staff predict the outcome of the Premier League title race

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 03/05/2026

- 15:56

Updated: 03/05/2026

- 18:05

The Cherries won 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday

Bournemouth secured a commanding 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium, propelling themselves into sixth position in the Premier League table as their remarkable unbeaten streak reached 15 matches.

The Cherries now sit on 52 points, holding a one-point advantage over Brentford and a two-point cushion above Brighton with just three fixtures remaining this season.


This historic run represents a club record in the top flight and has ignited genuine hopes of European football arriving on the south coast for the first time in the club's history.

Palace, meanwhile, appeared disjointed following their midweek Conference League exertions.

The opener arrived courtesy of an unfortunate intervention from Jefferson Lerma, who returned to face his former employers having represented the Cherries for five campaigns between 2018 and 2023.

Evanilson rose to meet an Alex Scott corner, directing his header towards goal, though the effort appeared destined to drift wide of the target.

However, Lerma's attempted clearance deflected the ball back towards his own net, wrong-footing goalkeeper Dean Henderson who could not prevent the ball from crossing the line despite his desperate attempts to claw it away.

Bournemouth have boosted their hopes of bringing European football to the Vitality Stadium next season with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace

Bournemouth have boosted their hopes of bringing European football to the Vitality Stadium next season with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace

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PA

Henderson's troubles continued as he gifted Bournemouth their second goal through a pair of costly mistakes.

The Palace keeper failed to gather a long throw-in cleanly, then compounded his error by clumsily bringing down Marcos Senesi inside the area.

Bournemouth Crystal Palace

Bournemouth went ahead against Crystal Palace following an own goal from Jefferson Lerma

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PA

Five facts about the Premier LeagueFive facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS

Referee had little choice but to point to the spot for what proved a soft penalty concession.

Eli Junior Kroupi stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards, sending Henderson diving in the wrong direction as he stroked the ball home.

The successful conversion marked Kroupi's 12th strike of the campaign, further underlining his impressive breakthrough season with the south coast club.

Oliver Glasner sought to inject fresh impetus at the interval, introducing Ismaila Sarr, Adam Wharton and Tyrick Mitchell from the bench.

Bournemouth are now up to sixth in the Premier League table

Bournemouth are now up to sixth in the Premier League table

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PA

Despite the tactical reshuffle, Bournemouth continued to create the more threatening openings throughout the second period.

Brazilian youngster Rayan had already squandered two promising opportunities before finally finding the net to complete the scoring.

The teenager latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from David Brooks before drilling a low finish across Henderson into the far corner.

With Palace languishing in 15th position domestically, Glasner's side will now concentrate their efforts on their Conference League campaign. For the latest odds on their bid for glory, go to BetFIRST Casino, your casino of choice during the World Cup.