Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth emerged as 1-0 victors against Sean Dyche's Everton at home on Saturday afternoon in their first Premier League game of 2025, continuing their push for European football.
If not for Jordan Pickford's heroics in the first half, the visitors could have easily found themselves trailing by the interval, but the Englishman could do nothing when David Brooks volleyed home and put the hosts ahead late on in the second half.
Everton's stubborn defensive block might have kept the Cherries at bay for most of the match, but the Toffees produced very little in the final third and can have no complaints with the result.
Bournemouth are now seventh in the Premier League table with 33 points, while Everton are in 16th place with 17 points and are just two points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
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Bournemouth's rise through the division continues, and as the club are only 15 points from the figure they tallied last season, they are almost certain to smash the 50-point barrier.
The Cherries are now unbeaten in eight games in the Premier League - their longest run ever in the top flight - and European football looks to be a distinct possibility given they are only two points from fourth-placed Chelsea.
Iraola will undoubtedly be of interest to clubs looking for head coaches at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but his efforts on the south coast this term should at least see him nominated for manager of the season.
Everton's defence managed to restrict Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City to just one goal, but their offensive displays must be a cause of concern for Dyche.
In fact, the Toffees failed to produce a shot on target against Bournemouth and have only scored 15 times in the top flight this term, the second-worst return in the division.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
13th min: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) disallowed goal
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The Cherries take a quick free kick from the left side of the final third before Ryan Christie crosses to the back post, but scorer Antoine Semenyo and at least two other Bournemouth players are offside.
Great defending from Everton.
28th min: Jordan Pickford (Everton) double save
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Semenyo carries the ball towards Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko before sliding a through ball to Justin Kluivert, who tries to lob Pickford, but the goalkeeper makes an outstanding save before making another stop when Semenyo turns and shoots.
Pickford is keeping Everton in the game!
77th min: Bournemouth 1-0 Everton (David Brooks)
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Milos Kerkez collects a bouncing ball on the left of Everton's box, and he lofts a perfect pass to Brooks, who jumps and volleys home the cross from just outside the six-yard box.
What a finish!
MAN OF THE MATCH - JORDAN PICKFORD
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Pickford almost single-handedly kept Everton in the game, and though his efforts ultimately went unrewarded, he proved once again why he is key to his side's chances of survival.
The goalkeeper made an outstanding double save in the first half and made seven stops overall, as well as making 13 recoveries and acting as a sweeper twice.
BOURNEMOUTH VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Bournemouth 59%-41% Everton
Shots: Bournemouth 19-9 Everton
Shots on target: Bournemouth 8-0 Everton
Corners: Bournemouth 9-3 Everton
Fouls: Bournemouth 15-14 Everton
BEST STATS
Bournemouth extend their unbeaten run to eight games in the Premier League - their longest run without defeat in the top-flight.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 4, 2025
David Brooks' goal makes it eight games without a win for Everton at the Vitality Stadium - the most they've faced a side on the road without ever... pic.twitter.com/1yt29Q6xUH
WHAT NEXT?
The Cherries will host West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup on January 11 before travelling to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on January 14.
As for Everton, they welcome Peterborough United to Goodison Park on Thursday in the FA Cup and will return to Premier League action on January 15 when they play Aston Villa.
Lewis Nolan
