A late, deflected strike from Jack Grealish proved decisive as Everton secured a hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory away at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. The win marks a significant upturn in form for the Toffees, delivering a third triumph in their last four top-flight outings.
A Tight and Tense First Half
The opening period at the Vitality Stadium was largely devoid of clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. The most notable early incident involved a verbal exchange between Everton's Jack Grealish and Bournemouth full-back Alex Jimenez by the corner flag. Bournemouth, who fielded their youngest ever Premier League starting XI, saw a potential penalty claim for handball against Everton defender Jake O'Brien reviewed by VAR, but the decision was correctly waved away.
Everton came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval. James Garner's dangerous in-swinging corner was headed onto his own crossbar by Bournemouth's Alex Scott three minutes before half-time. The Cherries did have the ball in the net in stoppage time, but Eli Junior Kroupi's finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
Everton's Pressure Finally Tells
The visitors began the second half with greater purpose and were denied a certain goal by a fantastic save from home goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Serbian shot-stopper spread himself brilliantly to keep out Thierno Barry's close-range effort after a fine through ball from Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who replaced Michael Keane in David Moyes's only change from the weekend defeat, was a lively presence throughout.
Despite their youthful vigour, Bournemouth offered little as an attacking threat, with captain Antoine Semenyo firing a tame effort straight at Jordan Pickford. Everton's sustained pressure was finally rewarded with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining.
Grealish Makes the Difference
The winning goal arrived in the 78th minute. Carlos Alcaraz played in Jack Grealish down the left channel, and the Manchester City loanee cut inside before unleashing a right-footed shot. The effort took a crucial deflection off defender Bafode Diakite, wrong-footing Petrovic and nestling in the bottom left corner. It was Grealish's second goal for the club and secured a priceless three points.
Iliman Ndiaye almost doubled the lead moments later, forcing another good save from Petrovic, but one goal was enough. The result ends Everton's wait for a victory at this ground, with their last success here coming in 2016.
The victory lifts Everton's spirits and league position, while Bournemouth's struggles continue, having now taken just one point from their last five Premier League matches. For David Moyes's side, the gritty, away-day performance and clean sheet will be as pleasing as the three points themselves.
