Jermain Defoe fired Bournemouth to their first win of the Premier League season to relieve mounting pressure on boss Eddie Howe.
The 34-year-old rifled his first Bournemouth goal in 16 years, as the Cherries came from behind to sink Brighton 2-1.
Solly March’s header had Brighton dreaming of a second straight Premier League win, but Andrew Surman coolly levelled before England poacher Defoe stole the victory.
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Tweet of the match
“Jordon ????????????????” – Leicester winger Demarai Gray (@22Demarai), linked with a move to Bournemouth this summer, was impressed by England Under-21 team-mate Jordon Ibe’s performance.
Moment of the match
Jordon Ibe threaded neatly through, Jermain Defoe spun his defender and scampered on before rifling home the winner in timeless fashion.
Star man
Jermain Defoe
The ageless goalscorer proved he still has what it takes to settle Premier League tussles.
Stat of the night
Some 16 years separate Defoe’s last two Bournemouth strikes. The England forward last scored for the Cherries during a loan stint from West Ham back in May 2001.
Ratings
Bournemouth: Asmir Begovic: 6/10, Adam Smith: 7, Simon Francis (capt): 7, Nathan Ake: 8, Charlie Daniels: 8, Ryan Fraser: 6, Harry Arter: 5, Andrew Surman: 7, Marc Pugh: 5, Joshua King: 5, Jermain Defoe: 9; Substitutes: Dan Gosling (for King, 90): 6, Benik Afobe (for Defoe, 78): 6, Jordon Ibe (for Fraser, 64): 8. Brighton: Mathew Ryan: 6, Liam Rosenior: 6, Shane Duffy: 5, Lewis Dunk (capt): 6, Markus Suttner: 6, Anthony Knockaert: 6, Dale Stephens: 5, Davy Propper: 5, Solly March: 7, Pascal Gross: 7, Tomer Hemed: 5; Substitutes: Glenn Murray (for Gross, 77): 5, Jose Izquierdo (for Knockaert, 76): 5.
Who’s up next?
Bournemouth v Brighton (Carabao Cup, September 19)
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