Bournemouth moved ever closer to securing their Premier League status with victory at the Vitality Stadium as Leeds’ relegation fears deepened.
Jefferson Lerma scored twice in four first-half minutes to put the Cherries in control – curling in a superb first-time shot before lashing the ball home after Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier flapped at a corner from the right.
Leeds pulled a goal back with a Patrick Bamford header from Wilfried Gnonto’s cross on 32 minutes but a tidy finish from Dominic Solanke restored Bournemouth’s two-goal advantage in the 63rd.
The visitors tried to force their way back into the game but could not find a way past Neto in the Bournemouth goal. After keeping out a fierce strike from Marc Roca, the former Fiorentina keeper made a fine double save to deny Robin Koch and then Gnonto.
Substitute Antoine Semenyo’s first Bournemouth goal sealed the win in stoppage time as his shot squirmed under Meslier.
Defeat leaves Javi Gracia’s side in 16th, just a point above the relegation zone and regardless of the result between Leicester and Everton. Only goal difference will keep them out of the bottom three by Monday night.
Meanwhile, Gary O’Neil’s Bournemouth are up to 13th, 10 points clear of the drop zone.
