Wilson strikes twice to help Bournemouth sink Everton
New season, same problem. Everton’s desire to break into the top six is no secret and their spending in recent years underlines that.
But a glance at the home and away league table for last season is telling. At home, seventh. Away, 12th. It is a trend that is continuing to hamper them.
“It’s a concern,” said Marco Silva, the Everton manager, of the away form. “It’s not something new for us unfortunately as a football club. Last season we did better than the seasons before but it was not enough.”
So far this season, Silva’s side have just one point away from Goodison Park after this latest reverse, though it was they who had looked more likely to win the game once they had equalised a minute before half time.
On this occasion, the blame lay far more heavily with the Everton defence, all three goals being preventable with more composure and organisation. “It was a disappointing result and in some moments our performance as well,” said Silva.
“To be honest, we didn’t deserve something more when you make mistakes like we did this afternoon. With the three goals, it was so easy for our opponent.”
This was a relatively even contest before Callum Wilson nodded Bournemouth ahead after 23 minutes. The goal came when Everton failed to clear Diego Rico’s corner and Joshua King, whilst attempting to score himself, diverted the ball the way of Wilson who showed clinical instinct.
Silva boldly opted for Dominic Calvert-lewin ahead of the muchvaunted Moise Kean and was rewarded when the Everton striker scored his first goal since March, towering over Steve Cook to meet Richarlison’s corner and send his team in level at half-time. However, the game turned with the introduction of Ryan Fraser, who said afterwards that he had “tried not to take it negatively” after learning he was to start on the home bench.
His first key contribution was to sweep a low free-kick towards the back post but, on the way, Fabian Delph inadvertently deflected past his own goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, and Bournemouth were back in front.
Silva wasted no time in bringing on Kean and Bernard as Everton pressed for an equaliser. Instead, with Yerry Mina out of position having been drawn into the midfield, Rico found Wilson and he lobbed the onrushing Pickford to give Bournemouth a first home league win of the season.
“I’m really pleased,” said Howe. “You don’t want to go too long in this league without winning at home. It’s hard enough if you’re reliant on your home form. This team is really strong when we have a full complement of players and when everyone is back fit It’s going to be an exciting team to manage.”
Lewis Cook made his first appearance since rupturing a knee ligament at Huddersfield last December.
He lasted 77 minutes on his comeback and received a standing ovation when substituted. “He was hugely impressive. He’s missed a lot of football but he’s done everything right in his recover,” said Howe.