Manager Sean Dyche takes full responsibility for Everton’s decline, acknowledging his role in their equaling of a club record with 12 consecutive Premier League games without a win.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Bournemouth secured victory with a late own goal from long-serving captain Seamus Coleman.
Initially, Dominic Solanke’s header seemed poised to be the winning goal for the Cherries in a match characterized by attrition and minimal quality.
However, the game took an unexpected twist as time dwindled for Everton.
Despite Everton’s hopes of salvaging at least a point when Beto capitalized on a goalkeeping error from Neto, Coleman inadvertently directed a cross into his own net under no pressure during injury time.
Everton’s winless streak in the league dates back to 16 December, and they currently sit in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche’s team would have a more comfortable cushion from the bottom three if the club had not incurred a six-point deduction for breaching financial regulations, which was reduced on appeal from an initial 10-point penalty.
“We’re responsible, I’m responsible. I didn’t come into it thinking it was a walk in the park,” said Dyche, who was appointed in January last year.
“But when things go against you outside your control – the 10 points and the referee today – they are really important moments.”
Bournemouth, meanwhile, look all but safe after moving on to 38 points with nine games left.
Late twist indicative of Everton’s miserable run
Everton is facing a tense conclusion to the season as they strive to maintain their longstanding record of never experiencing relegation from the Premier League and extend their 70-year tenure in the top division.
However, their recent dismal form, compounded by uncertainties off the field, has placed them dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Their battle to avoid relegation may face further complications due to a potential additional points deduction for a second alleged breach of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Regardless of this outcome, Everton’s latest performance has added to the anxiety for manager Dyche and the team’s supporters.
Despite enjoying significant possession, Everton struggled to consistently penetrate Bournemouth’s defense until Beto capitalized on an opportunity, which initially seemed to secure a point for the visitors.
However, a late turn of events, epitomizing Everton’s recent streak of misfortune, saw Coleman inadvertently scoring an own goal, leaving him visibly distraught as it became evident that Everton’s hopes of salvaging a second equalizer were likely dashed.
“It’s tough for Seamus. He puts his heart and soul into this team and gives everything,” said Toffees winger Jack Harrison.
“It is always a difficult thing, but Seamus is a great captain and great leader. He will bounce back.”
Toffees boss Dyche also bemoaned Dominic Calvert-Lewin not being given a second-half penalty, when the score was 0-0, after being clipped across the shins by Tyler Adams.
“We can’t get on the right side of the referees at the minute and so we have to make sure we take care of ourselves. That’s what we didn’t do in the dying embers of the game,” Dyche said.
Solanke stakes England claim?
Once more, Solanke showcased his significance to Bournemouth by scoring a goal that propelled his team towards consecutive victories.
Solanke’s header not only leveled the club record of 16 Premier League goals in a season, previously achieved by Joshua King in 2016-17, but also prompted calls from teammate Adam Smith for the striker to be considered for England’s national team.
At 26 years old, Solanke earned his lone England cap in 2017 as a substitute during a match against Brazil.
“I don’t really understand why he isn’t in the England squad. Maybe because he plays for little old Bournemouth,” said Smith.
“He’s a top player and if he keeps scoring goals like this I am sure he will get in the squad.”
While Solanke put the ball in the net thanks to his movement and technique, the goal was created by substitute Lloyd Kelly’s excellent delivery from the left flank.
Kelly had missed five games with a hip injury and, just 60 seconds after coming on to the pitch, whipped in a pinpoint cross between two Everton defenders which invited Solanke to attack it.
It was a rare piece of attacking brilliance and proved vital in Bournemouth – eventually – claiming maximum points as they edged closer to their highest points tally in a Premier League season.
Andoni Iraola’s side are eight points behind the club’s best haul of 46 points, which came in a ninth-place finish under Eddie Howe in 2016-17.