Everton put a bit of distance between themselves and the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory, and more importantly a fantastic 90-minute performance, against winless Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday.
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The Toffees now sit 15th in the Premier League table, three points clear of the bottom-three, with their second win of the season and second in three games.
Sean Dyche’s side came flying out of the starting gate and were duly rewarded for their early ambition, though Bournemouth certainly played a pivotal part in the opening goal. Disaster struck in the 8th minute, as the Cherries tried to pass the ball around their own defensive third and play out of the back. Illia Zabarnyi slipped and fell to the ground, giving the ball to James Garner with only goalkeeper Neto standing in his way. Garner dribbled into the penalty area and slotted the ball around Neto to snatch an early 1-0 lead.
Everton began on the front foot, and they remained there as the first half wore on. A bit of high pressure consistently caused problems for Bournemouth, and it was a mad penalty-area scramble that resulted in goal no. 2 for the home side. Neto punched a lofted cross away and managed to get the ball out of the penalty area, but Jack Harrison was waiting on the edge of the box. The former Leeds and New York City FC winger sent it back in, lobbed over everyone and off the underside of the crossbar for 2-0.
It was more of the same in the second half, and Harrison nearly made it 3-0 himself only to see his header denied by Neto from point-blank range right on the hour mark. Fortunately for the Toffees, Abdoulaye Doucoure was there to clean up the mess and hammer the rebound home.
Everton better and better as the game went on
Despite the fact they were 2-0 up at halftime, Everton weren’t exactly dominant up until that point. Their two goals accounted for all of 0.16 xG, according to our friends at FotMob.com, as a result of a back-breaking error and an audacious lob that wouldn’t come off on most attempts. 12 shots for 0.86 xG (0.04 per attempt).
The second half was an entirely different story, though, as they took eight (of 13) shots from inside 12 yards and amassed 1.85 xG (0.14 per attempt). Rather than take their foot off the gas and defend the way you might expect a Dyche team to do, Everton simply attacking and, at long last, looked more like the sum of all of their very talented parts.
Player ratings - Everton vs Bournemouth
What’s next?
Following the upcoming international break, Everton will try to make it two in a row when they head to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will continue their quest for their first win at home against Wolves.
Everton vs Bournemouth, final score: 3-0
Goalscorers: James Garner (8'), Jack Harrison (37'), Abdoulaye Doucoure (60')
8th minute — GOAL — James Garner capitalizes on a critical error to make it 1-0
37th minute — GOAL — Jack Harrison lobs Neto to put Everton 2-0 up
60th minute — GOAL — Abdoulaye Doucoure puts the game to bed with Everton’s third goal
How to watch Everton vs Bournemouth live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Stream: Watch online via Peacock Premium
Everton starting lineup
Pickford — Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko — Garner, Harrison, Gueye, McNeill, Doucoure — Calvert-Lewin
Focus on Everton
The Toffees are getting production from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure, and those sort of experienced performers are what Sean Dyche needs at this time. A rich run of flash and form for Dwight McNeil or Vitaliy Mykolenko would be welcomed, but Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Doucoure, and and Amadou Onana are making sure opponents leave Everton matches knowing they’ve played Everton.
OUT: Seamus Coleman (knee), Dele Alli (groin), Andre Gomes (calf)
Bournemouth starting lineup
Neto — Tavernier, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez — Christie, Cook — Smith, Billing, Outtara — Solanke
Focus on Bournemouth
The Cherries are not getting Tyler Adams back soon, and that’s a huge bummer for a team in needs of more stability with and without the ball. Philip Billing can be a force and Marcus Tavernier has taken strides forward, but Bournemouth has so few consistent performers. Dominic Solanke leads the team in goals and goal contributions.
OUT: Tyler Adams (hamstring setback), Chris Mepham (undisclosed), Lloyd Kelly (calf), Alex Scott (knee), Ryan Fredericks (calf), Emiliano Marcondes (ankle)
