Having not won for three games, the Cherries could not rediscover the form of their electric 13-game unbeaten run, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Brentford.
Bournemouth did manage to take the lead and make their early dominance count with a Milos Kerkez cross being deflected in off of Bees midfielder Vitaly Janelt.
However, slack defending allowed goals from Yoana Wissa and Christian Nørgaard to completely change the game and send Brentford back to West London with all three points and not for the first time.
It means Bournemouth lose more ground in the battle for European football but do not remain out of it, sitting ninth and four points from Manchester City in fifth place.
In a frustrating game for the Cherries, here are the top takeaways from their home defeat...
Semenyo off form
**Antoine Semenyo**’s goal drought stretched to six games following the Brentford defeat, with his last goal coming against Nottingham Forest in January.
Given his explosive performances earlier in the season, his recent dip in form has left fans questioning whether he should continue to start every game or if a rest would benefit him.
Against Brentford, Semenyo looked fatigued, both in and out of possession.
His tracking back was sluggish, and he often appeared a step off the pace when receiving the ball or attempting tackles.
This contributed to Brentford’s first-half success down **Bournemouth**’s left flank, where **Milos Kerkez**’s attacking runs left space behind, allowing the hosts to exploit the gaps.
In possession, it was a frustrating evening for Semenyo, being dispossessed four times—the highest of any player on the pitch and twice as many as the next most dispossessed player.
His heavy workload may be the cause of this, having played every minute of **Bournemouth**’s last 13 league games, alongside cup appearances.
Whilst his fitness has been crucial amid the club’s recent injury crisis, the demanding schedule appears to be finally taking its toll.
That said, Semenyo was not far from ending his goal drought with a powerful close-range header crashing against the crossbar, a chance that would have put Bournemouth back ahead.
Despite the struggles, his ability to produce game-changing moments remains undeniable and the question now is whether Andoni Iraola should rotate him to regain sharpness or trust that he can play through this off patch.
Toothless in attack
Bournemouth have built a reputation for free-flowing, high-scoring football, recently putting five past Nottingham Forest and four past Newcastle in some statement victories.
However, that attacking spark has faded in recent games, and Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Brentford was another example of their struggles in the final third of late.
The Cherries started the game brightly, taking the lead through a deflected Milos Kerkez cross and looked in control, playing with confidence down the wings.
But after Brentford’s equaliser on 30 minutes, the hosts gradually lost their attacking rhythm, struggled to create clear-cut chances and failed to take the few opportunities they did carve out.
**Semenyo**’s header off the crossbar and **Brooks**’ close-range saved effort were the standout chances, but beyond those moments, Bournemouth found little joy in the final third.
Brentford’s defensive setup neutralised their wide play, dealt with crosses into the box comfortably, and left little space around the edge of the area for through balls or long-range efforts.
Despite having double the xG of Brentford and twice as many touches in the box, Bournemouth lacked the ruthlessness required to turn dominance into goals.
With the season reaching its decisive stage and European qualification still within reach, **Iraola**’s side must rediscover their attacking edge quickly if they are to keep their ambitions alive.
Adams cementing his place
After an injury-plagued start to his Bournemouth career, **Tyler Adams**’ resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable.
The American midfielder has now featured in the last ten Premier League games, playing the full 90 minutes in many of them, and with each match, he is proving himself to be an irreplaceable presence in the middle of the park.
But despite the defeat, Adams was once again one of the standout performers.
His relentless energy, tenacity in tackles, and intelligent distribution helped keep Brentford’s midfield duo of Christian Nørgaard and Vitaly Janelt from taking complete control of the game.
His defensive work was crucial, constantly pressing, breaking up play, and setting his teammates on the front foot.
And the numbers further highlight his impact.
Adams finished joint top for tackles in theBournemouth side with three and joint highest for passes with 55, alongside Dean Huijsen.
His influence is growing game by game, and after showing glimpses of his ability earlier in the season, he is now fully cementing his place in **Iraola**’s system.
With a crucial run-in ahead, Bournemouth fans will hope that Adams continues his excellent form, providing the stability and drive needed to push the team towards a strong and historic finish.
Cherries stung again by Brentford
**Bournemouth**’s dismal record against Brentford continues, with their win-less streak stretching to seven games and are still yet to win a Premier League game over **Thomas Frank**’s side.
For whatever reason, the Bees seem to have the Cherries’ number, and Saturday’s defeat was just the latest chapter in this frustrating trend.
In truth, the match had the feel of a pre-season friendly, and the flat performance reflected the subdued atmosphere.
However, this was not a case of Brentford dominating—far from it.
Instead, it came down to clinical finishing, which is something Bournemouth failed to deliver.
The winning goal, courtesy of Danish midfielder Nørgaard, was a gift from some lax defending, as a routine long throw somehow evaded everyone before falling perfectly for the Dane to smash home.
For all of Brentford’s strengths, there is something about their direct, physical approach that Bournemouth just cannot seem to handle.
**Frank**’s side have consistently found ways to frustrate, disrupt, and ultimately punish the Cherries, no matter the circumstances over the years.
But maybe next season will be different and perhaps Bournemouth will finally crack the code to get the better of their West London bogey team.
Until then, the wait for that elusive win against Brentford goes on.