Headstrong Solanke 'over the moon' to do the trick for Cherries at Forest

Dazzling Dominic Solanke revealed how a behind-the-scenes meeting at just the right time helped him record his first career hat-trick. 

The AFC Bournemouth frontman’s sublime run of form continued as he netted a treble in Saturday’s 3-2 victory at 10-man Nottingham Forest. 

Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Solanke scored two headers during the contest at the City ground – including the winner after latching on to Adam Smith’s cross deep into stoppage time. 

And Solanke, who now has 12 goals in 20 appearances this season, revealed how Cherries legend and assistant Tommy Elphick had helped him deliver the goods. 

He told afcbTV: “It’s crazy the chances of that really. I had a meeting with Tommy Elphick and Tom (Webber) the analyst – that was literally just yesterday, saying if I could get some more headers it would help my tally.” 

He added: “It’s been a long time coming – a lot of braces. I never managed to get the third one but today, I finally got it. 

“I don’t think it could have gone any better really, that’s probably the best hat-trick it could have went. Scoring the late one late on was magnificent for me and the team. I’m just over the moon.”

“£20 million down the drain…” ??

Love you, Cherries fans ?? pic.twitter.com/SDskwfCX6A

— AFC Bournemouth ?? (@afcbournemouth) December 23, 2023

Forest had to play almost 70 minutes of the contest with 10 men after defender Willy Boly was controversially sent off by referee Rob Jones for a second bookable offence. 

Despite that, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side grabbed the lead through Anthony Elanga’s neat finish just after the break. 

Solanke netted twice before former Burnley man Chris Wood nodded in a leveller for Forest to make it 2-2.

But England international Solanke’s stunning stoppage-time header beat home keeper Matt Turner, sparking wild celebrations for the visiting Cherries supporters.

“It shows the belief we have in the team. We know we can beat anyone on our day,” said Solanke. 

“Especially with the run we are on at the moment, we believe until the final whistle. We know we have the players that get us out of these situations – it was another great result.”

Cherries are now 11th in the Premier League table, having picked up 16 points from a possible 18. 

They host Fulham at Vitality Stadium in their next encounter on Boxing Day.