National media coverage of Everton's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth was dominated by Nottingham Forest's bid for teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong, with supporters warning of a riot if the 19-year-old is sold. The Friedkin Group has since pulled the plug on talks with Forest following a huge backlash from fans.
Fans' fury at Vitality Stadium
James Tarkowski scored an injury-time equaliser to earn Everton a draw in their second Premier League game of the season, but the mood among the Blues fanbase was one of foreboding rather than celebration. There was no immediate kickback from the club over Forest's shock bid for the homegrown talent.
Manager David Moyes faced questions that could only truly be answered by people above his head. He said: "I know that there's been an offer. Apart from that, I don't really think there's much else I've got to say about it. It'll be a club decision."
National media reaction
Kit Shephard and Paul Joyce, writing for The Times, reported that Everton fans are so disgusted with their board that they are threatening violence. They wrote: "If you sell Armstrong, Harrison Armstrong, you're going to have a riot on your hands," they sang at the Vitality Stadium, to the tune of Billy Ray Cyrus's Achy Breaky Heart.
Alex Jennings, writing for the Mail, said: "Despite pre-match rumours that he would be left out of Moyes' matchday squad amid interest from Forest, the midfielder started here. Armstrong was as willing a runner as ever but struggled to impose himself on the game."
Dominic King, for The Telegraph, wrote: "If Everton's board accepts this offer, it will be vandalism – a mood-altering, trust-destroying piece of business that will have lasting ramifications for The Friedkin Group. If they want to create division with fans, all they have to do is say 'yes' to Forest."
Impact of the transfer saga
John Brewin, writing for The Guardian, noted: "Everton's situation is volatile, racked with uncertainty, insurrection bubbling. Before kick-off, the away contingent sang for the 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong, linked with a £40m move to Nottingham Forest."
Joe Thomas, writing for the Liverpool ECHO, said: "Concerns over how the transfer window may end have simmered all summer but they reached boiling point at Bournemouth, a place where Everton often find trouble even if, on-the-pitch, they found late salvation through James Tarkowski on this occasion."
The ongoing search for a right-back and fears over the potential loss of star player Iliman Ndiaye set the tone for the trip to the south coast. The teenager has not been sold, but the anger at his sale even being a prospect has no doubt reached Friedkin Group chiefs, and there is still time for any talks to be cancelled.
