'Just ridiculous': Football world stunned by crazy scenes
Bournemouth produced a nerve-racking 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest to secure Premier League promotion, which sparked chaotic scenes at Dean Court.
Substitute Kieffer Moore came on and scored the only goal in the 83rd minute, which eventually secured Bournemouth's automatic promotion to the Premier League alongside Championship leaders Fulham.
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"We locked eyes and just saw the space. Thankfully Phil (Billing) played me the ball and the rest is history," Moore told Sky Sports.
Forest needed a win to take over Bournemouth to have a chance of automatic qualification.
As soon as the whistle blew, fans at Vitality Stadium stormed the field to celebrate with the players and coach Scott Parker.
“This group is a young team, learning their trade in a promotion task,” added Parker, who was relegated from the Premier League last season as Fulham boss.
“One thing about this group, if we need a result we dig deep and find it.”
Players celebrated with fans on the field in wild scenes as the football world quickly praised the Cherries' achievement.
BOURNEMOUTH ARE PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE 🤯pic.twitter.com/MLrhBJ0Hyv
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 3, 2022
Memories to last a lifetime ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WaEUoMlgFs
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 3, 2022
Congratulations to @afcbournemouth on their return to the @premierleague. Look forward to welcoming them back on @BBCMOTD next season. Well played. 👏🏻👏🏻
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) May 3, 2022
Bournemouth getting to the Premier League once (for five seasons) was mad enough. Getting back there is just ridiculous. So many other clubs have tried and failed. This is a club that has spent 90% of its history in the 3rd and 4th tiers.
— Gavin Peacock’s Gilet (@korsikoff) May 3, 2022
Up the cherries @afcbournemouth huge congratulations to everyone involved ❤️🙌🏻🍒
— Aaron (@AaronRamsdale98) May 3, 2022
Classy touch from Klopp. Finishes his press conference with the words "Congratulations to Nat Phillips by the way", following Bournemouth's promotion back to the Premier League tonight.
Phillips a big reason why #LFC qualified for this CL campaign.— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) May 3, 2022
Unreal scenes. Bournemouth are back. pic.twitter.com/NXHdaTpmHU
— S🎄 (@schrutelad) May 3, 2022
Forest enter Premier League play-off
Bournemouth got off to a good start, creating their first chance after a couple of minutes but Forest keeper Brice Samba denied midfielder Billing.
Forest striker Sam Surridge found space in the ninth minute after a brilliant long-range cross from defender Djed Spence but he smashed his finish against the crossbar.
Both sides created further chances in an attacking first half, which ended goalless.
After a slow start to the second period, Bournemouth got on top, but Forest held firm until Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura won the decisive free kick on the edge of the box.
"I've not really slept this week. The first-half was emotional. Then we had a moment of magic from Kieffer (Moore) and we're in the Premier League," winger Ryan Christie told Sky Sports.
Forest will now attempt to end their 23-year Premier League absence as they enter the play-offs.
Huddersfield will join third place Forest with a number of teams fighting for the two remaining play-off spots.
with Reuters