Premier League: Bournemouth set sights on continental spot following dominant win over Crystal Palace

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Bournemouth moved into sixth place in the Premier League with a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace that bolstered their bid to qualify for Europe.

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Andoni Iraola’s side took the lead through Jefferson Lerma’s own goal early in the first half at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

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Eli Junior Kroupi increased Bournemouth’s advantage with a penalty before the interval and Rayan wrapped up the point after the break.

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The Cherries are one point above seventh-placed Brentford in the race to book a place in next season’s Europa League via a sixth-place finish.

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There remains a chance that sixth could even bring Champions League qualification, if Aston Villa finish fifth and win this season’s Europa League.

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Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season and the Spaniard is presiding over a remarkable farewell campaign at the south-coast club.

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They are unbeaten in their last 15 games, including wins over Premier League leaders Arsenal and reigning champions Liverpool.

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Bournemouth will also have a say in the title race, with second-placed Manchester City due to visit on May 19.

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Palace were well below their best and will turn their focus to Thursday’s UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk at Selhurst Park.

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Aiming to reach their first European final, Palace are 3-1 up from the first leg.

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Bournemouth took the lead in the 10th minute when Evanilson’s header from a corner was diverted into the Palace net by Lerma’s miscued attempt to nod clear.

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Dean Henderson tried to claw the ball off the line, but it crossed over before the Palace keeper reached it.

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Marcus Taverner was denied by Henderson after surging clean through on goal, but Bournemouth’s early blitz paid dividends again in the 32nd minute.

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Henderson dropped the ball after colliding with Palace’s Jaydee Canvot while trying to catch a long throw.

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In the ensuing scramble, Henderson tripped Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, conceding a penalty that Kroupi slotted home for his 12th league goal this season.

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Jorgen Strand Larsen wasted a golden opportunity to drag Palace back into the game after half-time when he fired straight at Djordje Petrovic.

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Petrovic also denied Brennan Johnson, but Bournemouth finished with a flourish in the 77th minute.

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Maxence Lacroix surrendered possession carelessly and David Brooks pounced to tee up Rayan for a composed finish.

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