COMEBACK KINGS!
Battling Cherries never know when they’re beaten
EDDIE HOWE hailed his comeback kings after Bournemouth recovered from 2-0 down in a crazy game – to make it 20 points saved from losing positions in 2018.
Two red cards, four goals and a worrying injury for Everton’s Michael Keane – carried off after a sickening clash of heads with team-mate Idrissa Gueye – made for a frantic afternoon on the south coast.
And it looked like being a bad one for the home side when Everton, who had star man Richarlison sent off for a petulant headbutt on Adam Smith, went 2-0 up with goals from Theo Walcott and defender Keane. But you can never write off the Cherries.
They also had Smith sent off for a professional foul, but still mounted one of their famous revivals with a Josh King penalty and Nathan Ake’s leveller.
Boss Howe said: “It’s another comeback and I’m delighted to achieve it, because 2-0 down and 10 versus 10 was difficult with the way the game had gone for us.
“But despite that, the players went again, the momentum of the game changed and we were the stronger team at the end.
“I don’t think it’s one attribute which allows us to make these comebacks, it’s a combination of things. But this time it was about great mental strength.” Everton fans would have been proud of their team’s reaction to Richarlison’s red card. But frustrated at the way they let a lead slip – and concerned for Keane.
Manager Marco Silva (right) said: “Michael Keane went to the hospital and in that moment looked in a better condition. But we have to wait. As for the game, I’m not happy with a point.
“We had a fantastic first 25 minutes of the second half and scored two goals.
“So we had to keep the ball in a different way and not give our opponents the chance to counter-attack.” Silva refused to blame referee Lee Probert for dismissing Richarlison and instead warned the £40million youngster – who faces a three-match ban – about his behaviour.
“It’s something players cannot do, it’s something I don’t like to see,” he said.
“You have to keep all
You have to keep all your emotional balance whether you are provoked or not
your emotional balance and mentality. If somebody provokes you or not.”
Nobody could have guessed the drama that lay ahead during a slow start, although Callum Wilson missed an early chance.
But the action started with Richarlison’s 41stminute dismissal.
The former Watford man had scored three goals in two games to become an instant Everton hero. But he inexplicably aimed a headbutt into defender Smith’s face in an off-the-ball incident.
Probert had no choice.
That should have spurred Bournemouth but, instead, Everton came out firing after the break.
Cenk Tosun sent Walcott through in a breakaway move down the right and the former Arsenal man lashed a shot past Asmir Begovic.
It was Walcott who was involved again minutes later when he raced away once more – only to be shoved to the floor by Smith. That gave Probert a chance to even up the numbers.
Leighton Baines’ excellent free-kick was saved – but then Keane headed home a Gylfi Sigurdsson cross to set off wild celebrations in the away end.
Bournemouth, however, never give up. King’s ball into Wilson, who had found a gap between two defenders, saw Baines bundle him for a penalty that King stuck away.
Then the Cherries drew level when Ake tapped home after Wilson’s header from a 79th-minute corner hit the post. There were even a couple of chances for Bournemouth to win.
But Keane’s sickening injury meant everyone was happy to settle for a draw.