Muniz scores again as Fulham beats Bournemouth for first Premier League win of 2024

LONDON (AP) — Rodrigo Muniz scored a brace as Fulham claimed its first Premier League win of the year with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid also netted for Fulham, with defender Marcos Senesi replying for the visitors.

Muniz, who scored his first-ever Premier League goal in last week’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, was heavily involved with Fulham’s opening goal in the fifth minute. The tenacious striker evaded his marker down the right channel before his driven cross, which seemed routine for Lewis Cook to clear, caused the midfielder to slip, allowing De Cordova-Reid to power home from close range.

Muniz poached Fulham’s second of the match, nine minutes before the break. Willian lofted a cross to De Cordova-Reid at the back post, who turned creator by nodding the ball into the danger zone. Muniz started behind the defender but reacted quickest and scored from inside the six-yard box with a roofed finish.

Five minutes into the second half, Senesi pulled one back for Bournemouth. But just two minutes later, Fulham responded when Muniz grabbed his second of the match.

Fulham leapfrogged its opponents into 12th.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer