Bournemouth extended their winning run to seven matches with a 3-1 comeback victory away to Sparta Prague in the Europa League, a result that was confirmed on Thursday 5 November. The club's recent form is formidable, with five wins and no draws or losses in their last five games, part of a five-game winning run in all competitions that includes victories over Leeds, Aston Villa, and Manchester United.
Ebrima Singhateh had given the hosts a first-half lead after 35 minutes, but the game turned two minutes later when Sparta defender Tobias Guddal received a second yellow card for a foul on Alvaro Rodriguez. Manager Marco Rose, who made eight changes to his starting lineup, then introduced Tyler Adams at the break. The American midfielder levelled the score in the 57th minute, firing home after Ryan Christie won possession.
Impact from the bench
Rose's changes proved decisive. Evanilson, who came on alongside Adams, put Bournemouth ahead in the 81st minute with a composed finish into the bottom corner, assisted by Christie. Rayan then capped the victory nine minutes later, driving a low shot from 25 yards into the net. The three substitutes managed just one shot each, but all found the target and scored. Evanilson's goal was his sixth in his last seven appearances across all competitions.
Tyler Adams highlighted the team's improved mentality after the game, pointing to a defensive shift following a heavy defeat to Chelsea earlier in the season. He said the squad is now more mature, defends better as a unit, and that the internal competition for places is driving success. Adams also praised Evanilson's form, noting the striker puts in extra finishing work after training. The team's defensive solidity is reflected in their league record of 13 goals conceded in nine games, while they have scored 14.
Bournemouth created 20 chances worth 2.3 expected goals, while Sparta, despite being a man down for over 50 minutes, registered 12 shots. The win is Bournemouth's fifth in the Europa League this season and marks the first time they have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions since November 2014, when they were in the Championship. The team's next fixture is a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Sunday 8 November in the Premier League. They go into that match sitting 8th in the Premier League with 12 points from nine games, having recorded three wins, three draws, and three losses. They are 12 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their top scorer this season is M. Tavernier with 5 goals in 9 appearances.
The report in full is at Sky Sports Football
