MATCH REPORT: BOURNEMOUTH 3-1 EVERTON

Everton do hate a trip to Bournemouth, which is fast becoming apparent. Since the side from Dorset were promoted, Everton’s only win here came in the FA Cup under former manager Roberto Martinez. That same season they threw away a 2 goal lead to draw 3-3, then lost twice on the run and last season threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2. This became three defeats in four after this Everton side flattered to deceive and a Bournemouth team that had more energy and fight duly punished them.

It really is these kinds of performances that make it hard to believe that Everton can make the top-six. A performance that was so frail, lightweight, and without any real conviction will have worried Marco Silva.

Silva spent £115 to overhaul his squad in the summer, undoubtedly improving his side’s attacking riches but it was his failure to get another defender into the club that may have bigger implications on his side’s fortunes.

The only real opportunity the visitors mustered before falling behind was when Richarlison hit the bar from 20 yards after some nice interchanging through midfield.

Callum Wilson put the hosts ahead, despite being in an offside position VAR allowed the goal to stand, when he headed home from a corner that had been flicked on and Joshua King turned the ball back across goal.

Dominic Calvert‑Lewin scored the visitor’s equaliser, his first Premier League goal for 971 minutes, with a well-taken header from a Richarlison cross a minute before the break.

Everton improved after the break but again without really creating anything of note.

Ryan Fraser stepped off the bench and gave Bournemouth the impetus they needed to wrestle the game away from Everton, although it was not that difficult in all honesty.

Fraser carried the ball into the Everton half before being fouled outside the box by Richarlison. He picked himself up and took the free-kick which found its way into Jordan Pickford’s net via Fabian Delph’s outstretched leg to restore the host’s lead.

Before Everton had a chance to recover from that blow, Wilson seized on some truly awful defending to seal the victory for the Cherries. Diego Rico played a simple pass over the top of the Everton defence that had gaping holes in it, and Wilson raced through to steer it over the outcoming Jordan Pickford.

Richarlison fired wide when he should have done better with 9 minutes still left on the clock but it was all over bar the shouting at that point.

The nature of goals clearly irked Silva and he is going to have to quickly find a solution for his team if they are to have any impact on the top 6 this season. On this evidence they will have their work cut out to get anywhere near it.

Final Score: Bournemouth 3-1 Everton

How They Lined Up: 

Barry Cass