'Our goals are extremely high' - Adamspublished at 15:51 BST 3 October
15:51 BST 3 October
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams says the team "are not surprised" by their impressive start after gaining 11 points from the opening six games.
"Our goals are extremely high," he told BBC South. "We are not surprised by our start because the mentality of every single person here is to win games.
"The team is working fantastically.
"It is bred within the club because when people see a training ground like this, you are excited to come every single day. We push each other to get better and the manager creates a very competitive environment and so does the depth in our team.
"If you train well, then you know it is your best opportunity to play games."
Bournemouth v Fulham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:32 BST 3 October
09:32 BST 3 October
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth look to extend their unbeaten run to six league games as they take on a Fulham side yet to win away this season. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Friday's match.
Eli Junior Kroupi's injury-time equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Bournemouth at Leeds last weekend, meaning the Cherries have taken 11 points from their opening six fixtures, their best start to a top-flight campaign.
The performances of Antoine Semenyo, who netted the opening goal at Elland Road, have been key to their excellent early form. While the club cashed in on defenders Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez this summer, they are reaping the benefits of tying down the Ghana international to a new five-year contract.
Semenyo already has four goals this term, maintaining momentum from a strong finish to the 2024-25 campaign. He has been directly involved in 11 Premier League goals since the start of April, scoring eight and assisting three. The only player with a better combined tally in that time is West Ham's Jarrod Bowen.
Since joining the Cherries, the 25-year-old has consistently impressed with his direct style of play, work-rate and ability to use both feet, though he has not always been a ruthless finisher, registering a shot conversion rate of 9.2% in the Premier League between his debut in February 2023 and March 2025.
But that figure has risen to 21.1% over the past six months as he has become more selective with his efforts on goal. He has taken slightly fewer shots per 90 minutes but those attempts have, on average, carried a higher expected goals value.
Surrendering leads a costly habit for 'soft' Fulham
Fulham boss Marco Silva again turned his ire on the match officials after last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa, saying he found it "impossible" to understand why his side were denied two first-half penalties.
He drew comparisons with several disputed decisions that went against his team in August's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, asking why Ryan Sessegnon was penalised for handball at Stamford Bridge but Matty Cash escaped punishment for a similar act on Sunday.
Silva will, however, also have been frustrated to see the Whites again failed to capitalise on a strong start, with Raul Jimenez having put the visitors in front after just three minutes. That has been a recurring issue for the Londoners, who have lost four of their past seven league matches when scoring first.
In fact, Fulham have lost 31 points from winning positions since the start of last season, the second-highest figure in the top flight across that period.
Silva candidly admitted his side were "too soft" when it came to protecting their lead at Villa Park. More backbone will be required at Vitality Stadium, where Fulham have lost their past three games.
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Fulhampublished at 08:24 BST 3 October
08:24 BST 3 October
I was at Fulham's defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday - they had faded by the end but actually started the game really well and I was really impressed with Josh King.
He is only 18 but he already looks like one heck of a player. He has got wonderful awareness and he was outstanding before the break.
King was taken off in the second half when the game was getting away from Fulham, however, and Villa had carved them open a fair few times by the end.
Bournemouth only rescued a point against Leeds late on last time out - I was wrong to back the Cherries then but I am definitely going to back them at home against Fulham.
The Cherries edged this fixture 1-0 at the end of last season, and I am going with the same result and scoreline this time too.
Premier League set to decide on PSR alternativepublished at 06:21 BST 3 October
06:21 BST 3 October
Dan Roan Sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
A decision on whether to scrap the Premier League's controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and adopt an "alternative system" is "coming up", says chief executive Richard Masters.
The current regulations, introduced in 2015-16 to prevent clubs from overspending, allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.
However, they have been criticised by several top-flight teams for limiting their ability to invest.
BBC Sport has been told a decision on any changes is likely to be made at a meeting in November.
In February, clubs chose to continue with PSR for the current season.
However a squad cost ratio (SCR) system of financial control was adopted by the Premier League on a shadowing, non-binding basis.
SCR is similar to Uefa's existing financial rules and allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.
Nine of the league's 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa's SCR as a result of qualifying for Europe. Both Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the rules.
Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."
He added: "It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is squad cost ratio, which is a revenue test. In Uefa, it's now set at 70%. Our system will be 85% because we always want our clubs to have the ability to invest.
"The Premier League has been built on the back of investment in which international capital flows [are] coming in. We don't want that to be to be stifled off."
Iraola on Senesi, chance to go second and Fulhampublished at 15:28 BST 2 October
15:28 BST 2 October
Werrda Ali BBC Sport researcher
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Fulham at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On Bournemouth's opportunity to go second: "I think it's too early to make conclusions. We are talking about very small differences. I think Fulham are now 11th or 12th. If they beat us, they are level on points. I don't look at the standings."
Instead, he said that performances are important at this point in the season: "For me, it's about being competitive. I want to keep this level all season if we can. This is about small margins - all the games have been very level. I expect the same tomorrow."
On how his side has maintained positive momentum this season: "We have a disadvantage with a lot of new players, especially young players, who have to adapt to the Premier League. We also have a big advantage, with some players that have been here two seasons and this is their third season. Those players help us integrate new players. This sustains us in moments when we need clarity on the pitch."
On selecting his squad 24 hours before a fixture: "I don't decide the day before because they do something special but it's a moment where you can feel the mood of the players and see who can be mentally more switched on."
On the importance of Marcos Senesi: "He's started a lot of games with us - I think he's a very good centre-back. What he can help us with as well is offensive set-plays because we are not a big threat normally. I think Marcos is one of the best assets in that department. Also, the combination with Milos [Veljko Milosavljevic], [James] Hill and Bafode [Diakite ] is quite good."
On how Fulham can cause Bournemouth problems: "On the ball. They value possession. Technically, they have good combinations. Now [Alex] Iwobi and Josh King. King has been a big surprise - I didn't know about him at the beginning of the season and he has been playing really, really well. This combination with Iwobi and [Ryan] Sessegnon on the left side is really dangerous. I hope we can limit those things."
Cherries enjoy continuity of selectionpublished at 12:55 BST 1 October
12:55 BST 1 October
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Having been forced to revamp their squad over the summer, Bournemouth have been able to enjoy some continuity of selection for the first month of the Premier League season, with nine of the 11 starting positions remaining unchanged for the first five games, and the other two only disrupted by injuries.
Captain Adam Smith's injury in game three at Tottenham meant James Hill initially filled the right-back berth, before new signing Alex Jimenez stepped in for the last two games.
Meanwhile, the only other early change came when Bafode Diakite missed the Brighton game with injury. Veljko Milosavljevic stepped in for that match, but despite a sparkling debut from the Serbian teenager, Diakite reclaimed his place the following week.
Boss Andoni Iraola's first unenforced changes to his starting XI came on Saturday at Leeds as Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert, who had both missed pre-season with injury, and summer signing Amine Adli were preferred to Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks.
However, Iraola noticeably replaced Christie, Kluivert and Adli with Scott, Tavernier and Brooks in a triple substitution on the hour mark, with the Cherries trailing 2-1.
While Christie and Kluivert were automatic choices last season, their lack of pre-season minutes has left Iraola carefully managing their reintegration into the team, though that has been helped by the early form of Scott, who is enjoying one of his best spells since leaving Bristol City two years ago.
When you consider Bournemouth's high-energy style, injuries and suspensions are likely something they will have to deal with as the season progresses. But for now, there is competition for places, and a strong bench which has helped the Cherries ride an early wave.
Fulham are their next opponents, with Bournemouth looking to extend a sequence of three home wins over the Cottagers since they were both promoted back to the top flight in 2022, while a Friday evening game in front of the Sky TV cameras will evoke fan memories of a 2015 encounter, when the Londoners were thumped 5-1 with Brett Pitman and Steve Cook staging their own "goal of the season" contest on the same night.
Cherries' new secret weapon?published at 12:28 BST 30 September
12:28 BST 30 September
Tom Jordan Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth remain unbeaten since their opening day defeat by reigning champions Liverpool, following a hard-fought draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
A lot has been made of the Cherries' defensive solidity considering such an upheaval of their backline, but it was an attacking addition who stole the show at the weekend.
Eli Junior Kroupi was signed to provide cover and competition for main man Evanilson in Bournemouth's attack, and it was his last-gasp finish that earned Andoni Iraola's men a vital point on the road.
Kroupi scored an impressive 13 goals in as many games for Lorient last season, which helped the club on their way to promotion back to the top flight in France.
Going from the French second tier to the Premier League was always going to be a tough ask and, as expected, Kroupi has been used only as an impact sub thus far.
His introduction at the weekend was when the Cherries went for a 'throw the kitchen sink at it' approach, but his composure to rifle home in stoppage time could be a valuable weapon moving forward.
A consistent goalscorer will know where the net is at any level and Kroupi proved that with the way he positioned himself and comfortably swept home when needed - a big moment for him.
Will Kroupi get more minutes off the back of his impact on Saturday? Maybe. But one thing is for sure, Bournemouth have unearthed another cog in Iraola's well-oiled machine.
Leeds 2-2 Bournemouth - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:19 BST 29 September
08:19 BST 29 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds and Bournemouth.
Here are some of your comments:
Leeds fans
Alison: I thought we played really well and with confidence. We need to be a little more clinical with our chances on goal. Gutted that the equaliser came in in the last minutes of the game. Think we can build on this and do even better.
Eric: Good overall performance but once again we are undone in final minutes of the game. Could have been 3-0 up in first 20 minutes but again, lack of clinical finishing means we need to find a quality striker who will put those kind of chances away. Couldn't understand why Farke replaces Calvert-Lewin with Nmecha when it was obvious we needed fresh legs to bolster the defence. We managed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory and that was three vital points dropped not one point gained.
Omar: The fact that this feels like two points lost rather than a point gained is testament to how well Leeds have performed. Well done lads. Great performance against a very, very good Bournemouth side.
Andrew: Leeds were the better team. We were not hanging on. The timing of the equaliser was disappointing as it was so late but a lot of positives. If DCL stays fit Leeds will stay up.
Bournemouth fans
Matt: An important point against a good, physical Leeds team. Resilience will be important as the season goes on - good signs for hopefully a successful season ahead.
TFTSE: Poor performance, lacked cohesion and simply couldn't retain the ball. But, once again managed to sneak in a late goal to grab a point. Can't complain, not playing well and still in the top six. When it clicks we will be even better.
Michael: Lucky to get a point but in previous seasons we would have lost.
'Smart substitutions and sheer perseverance' published at 13:07 BST 28 September
13:07 BST 28 September
Adam Cottier Final Score reporter at Elland Road
Image source, Getty Images
Bournemouth could count themselves fortunate, but then they also could point to smart substitutions and sheer perseverance as to reasons why they emerged from Elland Road with a point.
They had Djordje Petrovic to thank for making some fine saves and he looks right at home after his summer move, but Bournemouth just do not look like a team that will lose many games this season.
Andoni Iraola knew his side were finding Leeds a real problem and made changes to freshen his attack.
He looks to have more options and greater depth now, and Eli Kroupi's stylish volley indicated Bournemouth may have found another gem in their treasure trove of good recent recruitment as well.
Leeds 2-2 Bournemouth: What Iraola saidpublished at 18:47 BST 27 September
18:47 BST 27 September
Media caption,
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola spoke to the media after his side's draw with Leeds United: "It's a good feeling when you score in stoppage time. It was a physical game because they have [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin and [Sean] Longstaff, players that can punish us in every set piece. All of their goals came from set-plays.
"It was a game with big fights, it was quite physical and not too clean. There weren't many clear chances."
On 19-year-old goalscorer Eli Kroupi: "He is a very good finisher. He has to adapt because he is coming from Ligue 2 and it is a big jump. He is very good with both feet."
On what the Cherries can improve: "For me, I would say the physicality, the aerial balls, the physical balls. They were winning the first contacts every time with [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin. They also had players who were good in the second balls.
"We aren't the tallest team, but we have to improve aerial duels and our defending of set-plays."
Did you know?
Bournemouth have won just two of their past nine Premier League away games (D4 L3), having won five of their seven games on the road beforehand (D2).
Antoine Semenyo has been directly involved in 11 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, scoring eight and assisting a further three goals.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Bournemouthpublished at 11:12 BST 27 September
11:12 BST 27 September
I've been told I absolutely cannot go for 10 draws this week, which is shame because this game has got draw written all over it.
Being serious, I was very impressed by Leeds' win over Wolves last time out - it really surprised me, but it was a brilliant result that showed what they have got to offer under Daniel Farke, and that they are going to give it a real go this season.
Even so, I am backing Bournemouth here. The Cherries were a bit flat against Newcastle last week but they usually create loads of chances and that's what I am expecting them to do at Elland Road.
Leeds v Bournemouth: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:58 BST 26 September
18:58 BST 26 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United, who have yet to concede a goal at home this season, take on a Bournemouth side vying for back-to-back clean sheets. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before Saturday's match.
Leeds were buoyed by last weekend's 3-1 win at Wolves, with a second victory of the season giving them plenty of momentum heading into a potentially important stretch of autumn fixtures. This is the first of three home games in their next four, with Tottenham and West Ham also visiting Elland Road.
Daniel Farke's side have not lost at home in the league for 12 months, a run of 22 matches, and have an opportunity to put some more daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. They already have seven points on the board, which equals the combined total of last season's promoted sides after five games.
Summer signings Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor were on target in the win at Molineux, when Leeds took their opportunities clinically, attempting just six shots but scoring with three. Chances have been at a premium for the Whites this term, with their overall expected goals total of 4.29 the third lowest in the Premier League.
Bournemouth's new-look defence excelling
Leeds may also need to be ruthless with their finishing when they take on in-form Bournemouth, who have only conceded once in their past four league matches.
The Cherries' defensive resilience is all the more impressive given they lost three of their first-choice back four over the summer, with defenders Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez sold for a combined total of £144.5m.
It is testament to the work of head coach Andoni Iraola that Bournemouth have nonetheless started strongly and conceded just five goals, which is their lowest total at this stage of a Premier League season.
And despite struggling to break down Newcastle in Sunday's goalless draw at Vitality Stadium, Iraola's team have claimed 10 points from their opening five fixtures, equalling their best start to a top-flight campaign.