Statement in the capital: Evanilson and Iraola’s press power Bournemouth past Spurs

Bournemouth delivered a commanding 1-0 win at Tottenham, ending Thomas Frank’s perfect league start and showcasing Andoni Iraola’s high‑press blueprint on a big stage. Evanilson struck inside the opening five minutes, his shot deflecting off Cristian Romero and looping over Guglielmo Vicario, and from there the Cherries imposed themselves everywhere that mattered.

The margin flattered Spurs. Bournemouth created a flurry of chances—19 shots with six on target—and rattled the bar, while the home side’s only effort on target arrived in the 68th minute. It was a performance of energy and clarity, the ideal response to midweek Carabao Cup frustration.

Lightning from the kick-off

The breakthrough arrived before Tottenham could settle. Senesi threaded a through ball that caught Djed Spence playing Evanilson onside, and the Brazilian’s low strike took a nick off Romero to sail over Vicario. The early punch quieted the stadium and allowed Bournemouth to dictate the terms of engagement.

Fast starts are becoming a calling card. A week after Marcus Tavernier’s fourth‑minute goal against Wolves, the Cherries struck early again, reflecting Iraola’s demand for front‑foot football from the opening whistle.

Relentless pressure, chances everywhere

Tottenham struggled to breathe under Bournemouth’s press. Evanilson almost had a second when he drove wide, and Antoine Semenyo sent a deft, outside‑of‑the‑boot David Brooks cross a whisker over. Spurs ended the first half without a shot despite having nearly 60% possession.

The onslaught continued after half-time. Within a minute of the restart Vicario denied Semenyo with a sharp stop, then Brooks’s deflected effort from a long throw crashed against the bar. Vicario saved again from Brooks, and Tavernier later hit the side netting after a Tottenham giveaway.

Resilience at the back despite a setback

Even losing captain Adam Smith to an early injury couldn’t disrupt Bournemouth’s defensive rhythm. The new‑look back line stayed compact and assertive, funnelling Spurs into traffic and ensuring Djordje Petrovic had a largely straightforward afternoon.

Spurs did stir late. Lucas Bergvall finally tested Petrovic with a drive in the 68th minute, Wilson Odobert lifted a chance over, and Mathys Tel volleyed narrowly wide from Spence’s cross in stoppage time. Yet Bournemouth’s structure rarely looked like being breached.

Whistles and what‑ifs don’t shake the focus

Referee Simon Hooper drew attention when Semenyo—booked before the break—was not shown a second yellow after tripping Richarlison, and when Djed Spence received only a caution for a late challenge on Amine Adli. Through it all, Bournemouth maintained composure and stuck to the plan.

“I liked almost everything we did today,” Iraola said afterwards, a fair reflection of a display that married intensity with control. The manager once courted by Spurs out‑coached his opposite number on the day and saw his side execute with conviction.

Big picture: momentum and a platform

Back‑to‑back Premier League wins for the first time since January reinforce the sense that Bournemouth can trouble the established order this season. They also claim the distinction of producing the league’s two fastest goals so far—Tavernier last week and Evanilson here—while ending Frank’s perfect start.

Both sides now have two wins from three and are level on points, but it is Bournemouth who carry the momentum into the international break. Next up: Brighton and then Newcastle at the Vitality, two home dates that present a chance to build on a statement made in north London.