Cherries’ comfortable 4-1 win over Leeds United moved them to the brink of safety, with a 10-point cushion above the relegation spots with four games remaining. Solanke played a part in Cherries’ opener, teeing up Phil Billing for the initial shot that led to Jefferson Lerma curling home. The Colombian doubled the lead four minutes later, before Patrick Bamford pulled one back before the end of the first half. Talismanic striker Solanke restored the two-goal margin shortly after the hour mark, before watching on from the bench as Antoine Semenyo added further gloss with a fourth.
Dominic Solanke said: “We knew it was going to be a huge game for us. After coming off the last win, we wanted to make sure that we followed up with another win. And to get back-to-back wins at this point in this stage of the season, just shows the position we’re in.”
Promoted as Championship runners-up last term, many had expected Cherries to finish in the bottom three. Whilst not yet mathematically confirmed, it would take some effort from sides below them to overhaul their current position of 13th.
Dominic Solanke said: “I think a lot of people, especially at the start of season, didn’t really give us a chance. But we always believed and we know the quality that we have in the squad. So for us to do what we’ve done, just shows our quality.”
Solanke’s goal was well taken, the forward ghosting into the area before being forced out wide. Unfazed by the acute angle, he steered his effort towards the far corner, the ball bouncing off the inside of the post.
Dominic Solanke said: “I went for that corner. Obviously not the post, but knew it was quite a tight angle. But yeah, I wanted to slide it in and, it was a good finish.”
