Bournemouth out of relegation zone with 2-1 win over Fulham

Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

---

Marcus Tavernier and Dominic Solanke were both on target as Bournemouth earned a vital 2-1 win over high-flying Fulham on Saturday to breathe life into their fight for Premier League survival.

Solanke bundled home in the 79th minute to seal a remarkable comeback that lifted Bournemouth out of the relegation zone and dealt a blow to Fulham's hopes of playing in Europe next season.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Andreas Pereira gave Fulham the lead in the 16th minute after running on to Harrison Reed's lay-off, but the visitors failed to build on that early momentum.

Antonee Robinson nearly put Fulham 2-0 up eight minutes later but his half-volley cannoned off the crossbar to let Bournemouth off the hook.

Tavernier, thrown on by manager Gary O'Neil as a half-time substitute after a dire opening 45 minutes for the home side, equalised with a curling left-footed shot from distance in the 50th minute following a corner.

"I didn't expect that to go in the top corner but I'll take that every day," said the midfielder, who was making his first appearance since February.

"It's been a frustrating time getting injured and coming back. We can't be too high on this victory. One game down but now we have 10 cup finals.

"We're full of belief at the moment... If we carry on playing like that we have a good chance."

Bournemouth struggled in the opening period, with Solanke only registering their first shot on target in the 42nd minute, and O'Neil rolled the dice at half-time, bringing on Ryan Christie as well as Tavernier.

The changes had an immediate effect, with Bournemouth carving out their equaliser after a spell of sustained pressure before Solanke sealed the three points with his first home Premier League goal of the season.

The victory lifted Bournemouth from second-bottom of the table to 15th place on 27 points, while Fulham stayed ninth.