Bournemouth join Fulham to secure promotion to the English Premier League
Bournemouth have earned a return to the Premier League after recording a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
While the Cherries went into the game knowing that three points would secure promotion from the Championship, they were also aware that defeat would hand the advantage to their opponents, who could move level on points and possess a marginally better goal difference.
However, despite the two clubs being close in the standings, Bournemouth dominated the contest for large periods, particularly in the second half.
When Jefferson Lerma sustained a hamstring injury, Scott Parker opted to introduce forward Kieffer Moore, rather than a like-for-like replacement in midfield, and that decision ultimately proved decisive.
After Bournemouth had been awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, Philip Billing cleverly played the ball to Moore, who swept a first-time curling effort into the far bottom corner.
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Due to a number of stoppages, eight minutes of added-on time were signalled by the referee, and Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba almost scored in the closing seconds, sending a shot marginally off target from eight yards after coming up for a corner.
Once the ball had cleared the crossbar, Bournemouth were left to celebrate securing another stint in the top flight, two years after they were relegated.
Forest will now take their place in the playoffs, Steve Cooper’s side needing to win against Hull City on Saturday to guarantee third position.
On Monday evening, Fulham were crowned champions of the division after they thrashed Luton Town by a 7-0 scoreline.
