NICK OF TIME

1-0 down straight after half-time made it really difficult,” Koeman said. “I think we did the best we could do at that time, by changing the system to play differently to the way we would normally play, and the players showed great character.” The one memorable moment of an awful first half came as Rooney – in his first appearance for Everton since admitting a drink-driving charge last Monday – was left on the deck with blood pouring from his face after a collision with Francis. Rooney was fuming as referee Martin Atkinson ignored his appeals for a penalty after Francis had caught him with his elbow. Television replays, though, suggested that the collision had been accidental.

Bournemouth went ahead soon after the break as King took on a Charlie Daniels pass, easily evaded the challenge of Mason Holgate and was given all the time he needed to score from the edge of the penalty area.

The Cherries should have gone two-up three minutes later, as King played in Jermain Defoe for the sort of chance the former England striker normally gobbles

up. But keeper Jordan Pickford stood his ground and blocked with his foot. Niasse started to cause problems as Everton sought an equaliser, and Holgate was denied by Andrew Surman’s brilliant goalline clearance after Ashley Williams guided on a Gylfi Sigurdsson corner. Howe resisted the urge to try to close Everton out – and insisted he had no regrets about sticking to his football principles, even though he missed out on the win that would have lifted his team out of the bottom three. He said: “You can’t change philosophies mid-game. You can’t score then decide to shut up shop and smash the ball long. “Players would be confused. They would know you didn’t have belief in what you were trying to do.”