A thrilling Premier League fixture between Bournemouth and Everton ended 2-1 at Dean Court. The Toffees marked their first loss under newly appointed manager, Sam Allardyce for the season and dropped 7 points behind Burnley in the league table.
The Cherries broke the deadlock with a volleyed effort from Ryan Fraser in the 33rd minute. The Scotsman started the game off positively and was more than deserving of the goal with the Everton defender’s falling prey to their own mistakes.
Eddie Howe’s men pressed the opposition players relentlessly and forced them into making a number of ill-advised turnovers and long balls which presented no danger to their organized defence.
With a poor offensive display in the first half, Allardyce made two quick changes in the second half and it surely paid dividends. Oumar Niasse almost immediately after coming on for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, laid off a perfect pass to an unmarked Idrissa Gueye and got the assist for the equaliser.
Everton looked like they were back in the game with both sides attacking with full force. But Ryan Fraser punished them again with a late deflected goal. Jordan Pickford was left helpless as the ball completely changed its trajectory after hitting Phil Jagielka’s leg.
With a staggering 19 shots on goal, Bournemouth were in no mood to lose their last game of the year.
Everton Player Ratings :
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
The 23-year-old was very well tested today in between the sticks and came out the winner on almost every occasion except the 2 unsavable goals.
Jonjoe Kenny – 4/10
The youngster was caught out of position a number of times often times failing to read the opposition attacks.
Michael Keane – 5/10
Not the worst performance but surely outplayed on a few duels with Callum Wilson and Joshua King.
Phil Jagielka – 6/10
The experience of Jagielka was well reflected in his game today as he turned out to be the rock in the Everton back four.
Rhu-Endly Cuco Martina – 5/10
A decent shift by the 28-year-old but lacking offensively.
James McCarthy – 4/10
His comeback got scarred with a terrible pass towards his own goal which allowed the opposition to get the early lead.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 4/10
Maybe a harsh rating but the Frenchman failed to meet expectations today.
Idrissa Gueye – 6/10
A dominant defensive presence in the midfield area with a crucial goal, Gueye should have stayed on the pitch but instead got substituted in the 57th minute.
Aaron Lennon – 7/10
He constantly threatened the opposition defence with his pace down the right. Had a very important role in stretching his team’s gameplay.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 5/10
A poor showing creatively but almost got the late second equaliser.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5/10
A lack of delivery prevented him from making a mark.
Substitutes :
Wayne Rooney – 6/10
Immediately boosted Allardyce’s men with a fresh bout of energy.
Oumar Niasse – 6/10
Came on a crucial juncture of the match and did the dutiful.
Yannick Bolasie – NA
