Antoine Semenyo may have just delivered the ultimate parting gift to the South Coast, turning Stamford Bridge into his personal showcase on New Year's Eve. It was a performance that screamed "come and get me," even if his bags are reportedly already packed.

With a blockbuster £65 million (approx. KES 11.3 billion) move to Manchester City looming, the 25-year-old forward did not opt for self-preservation. Instead, he orchestrated a chaotic 2-2 draw against Chelsea, proving exactly why the Premier League champions are ready to break the bank for his signature.

The Billion-Shilling Throw-In

In a league increasingly dominated by complex tactical systems, Semenyo brought chaos with a weapon as old as the game itself: the long throw. While analysts obsess over passing triangles, the Ghanaian international used brute force and precision to dismantle Chelsea’s defense twice.

Just six minutes into the contest, Semenyo launched a throw-in deep into the box, creating the confusion that allowed David Brooks to fire Bournemouth ahead from close range. It was a wake-up call for Enzo Maresca’s side, who struggled to handle the physicality of the visitors throughout the opening exchange.

A Moment of Madness

However, the "chaotic" nature of Semenyo’s game cuts both ways. In the 15th minute, the forward tracked back but clumsily brought down Estevao Willian inside the box. Referee Sam Barrott, following a pitch-side VAR review, pointed to the spot.

Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s reliable talisman, stepped up to convert the penalty. Despite goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic guessing the right direction, the precision of the strike leveled the score. Moments later, Enzo Fernandez rifled a shot into the top corner, putting the Blues up 2-1 and seemingly taking control of the narrative.

Resilience on the Road

Yet, Bournemouth refused to fold. Just four minutes after falling behind, Semenyo returned to his unconventional playbook. Another monstrous throw-in caused panic in the Chelsea box, allowing Justin Kluivert to tap in the equalizer.

The first half statistics painted a picture of Bournemouth’s surprising dominance:

• Attempts: Bournemouth fired 14 shots, forcing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into multiple crucial saves.
• Impact: Semenyo directly influenced all three major events of the first half—two assists and one penalty conceded.
• Tactical Shift: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was forced to shuffle his deck at halftime, introducing captain Reece James and Pedro Neto in an attempt to regain control.

While the transfer to the Etihad Stadium remains in the final stages of negotiation, Semenyo’s display at Stamford Bridge served as a fitting audition for the highest level. He leaves—if he indeed leaves—having shown he can dismantle the league's elite, one long throw at a time.