Bournemouth edged closer to the Champions League places with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at the Vitality Stadium, courtesy of a stunning 77th-minute volley from substitute David Brooks. The win extends the Cherries’ unbeaten Premier League run to a club-record eight matches and moves them just three points off the top four.
In a tight and scrappy contest on the south coast, Andoni Iraola’s side struggled to break down a well-organized but toothless Everton defense. The breakthrough came late in the second half when Brooks, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a perfectly delivered cross from Milos Kerkez. With precision and technique, Brooks sent a sublime volley back across Jordan Pickford’s goal, leaving the Everton goalkeeper helpless.
Bournemouth’s defensive solidity at home, having conceded just seven goals at the Vitality Stadium all season, made it difficult for Everton to mount a comeback. The visitors came close when Abdoulaye Doucouré struck a knockdown from Beto just wide of Mark Travers’ post, but Sean Dyche’s side ultimately lacked the quality to find an equalizer.
The defeat extends Everton’s poor run, with just one win in their last 11 league matches, leaving them precariously placed in 16th, only two points above the relegation zone. Bournemouth, on the other hand, continue their upward trajectory, climbing to 33 points and keeping their sights firmly set on European qualification.
Iraola will be encouraged by his team’s resilience and defensive discipline as they maintain their strong form. For Dyche, the pressure continues to mount as Everton struggle to distance themselves from the relegation battle.
