At some point, most likely next week, Everton will find out how costly these dropped points might prove. Sean Dyche’s side looked to have claimed a fortunate late share of the spoils on the south coast when a Neto howler gifted them an equaliser, only for Séamus Coleman to produce an own-goal clanger of his own to dash any short-lived joy.
Everton’s winless run has now reached a club record 12 games since they last triumphed in mid-December, sending them plummeting ever closer to the relegation zone. The fear is that the table will soon make for even worse reading when a verdict is delivered imminently into a second case of financial breaches, having already been docked six points for a first. Add in an uncertain takeover that has dragged on for months and the mood around the club could scarcely be more fraught.
The away fans could not believe their luck when Neto dropped a regulation cross with three minutes of normal time remaining, allowing substitute Beto to tap into an empty net from two yards. That goal cancelled out Dominic Solanke’s headed opener, which had come soon after the hour, but Bournemouth were able to take all three points through a Coleman shocker in injury time.
The Ireland international was under no pressure at the far post when Adam Smith’s cross deflected off his torso and into his own net.
Having come back from a 3-0 half-time deficit to beat Luton in a seven-goal thriller before the international break, this was further proof of Bournemouth’s ability to somehow find a way to win.
Even the travelling fans would find it hard to deny that Andoni Iraola’s side were good for it. The hosts were frequently buoyed by their two wingers: Marcus Tavernier catching the eye with his vision and ability to ping a sumptuous crossfield ball, and Antoine Semenyo threatening with his power and drive.
The Ghanaian had come closest to breaking the deadlock in a quiet first half, prodding against the post two minutes before half-time when the bulk of those inside the Vitality Stadium were otherwise occupied forlornly pleading with the referee for a penalty in the build-up. Caught the wrong side of Tyler Adams, Jarrad Branthwaite had used both arms and a hefty chunk of his upper body to bundle the United States captain to the turf, but the officials deemed it to be fair.
For a team that came into this game having conceded fewer goals this season than all but the title-chasing trio of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, the manner that Everton allowed Bournemouth to take the lead was astonishingly soft.
Having won the ball in the middle of the pitch, the hosts spread the ball out wide to substitute Lloyd Kelly who – with almost his first touch since coming off the bench – was gifted all the time in the world to deliver a pinpoint cross onto Solanke’s head a few yards out. Solanke’s 16th Premier League goal of the season equalled Bournemouth’s club record.
For all that Bournemouth were the dominant force, Everton did not go without sight of Neto’s goal, although the luckless Dominic Calvert-Lewin – recalled to the starting XI for what is now 23 games without scoring – must wonder when he will again experience the thrill of finding the back of the net.
The some-time England striker had an early effort deflected over the crossbar before forcing the Bournemouth keeper into a fine low save soon after the half-hour. He wore the pained expression of a man unable to get a stain out of his favourite white shirt.
Sean Dyche’s side had even hit the woodwork when the game was still goalless, albeit Dwight McNeil was almost certainly not aiming to score when he cross clipped the front post.
The two late errors cancelled each other out and Everton’s misery continues.
