Bournemouth 1-0 Everton: Player ratings as Brooks breaks Pickford’s heart

A wonderful volley from David Brooks eventually secured a 1-0 win for Bournemouth against Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Everton emerged from the first 45 minutes of their trip to the Vitality Stadium with a clean sheet intact almost entirely thanks to the fine form of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The overworked England international denied the hosts of four separate occasions, making a particularly impressive stop to rebuff Justin Kluivert when eyeball-to-eyeball with the Dutch forward.

Sean Dyche reacted to a desperately one-side half by making two changes during the interval, including just a third Premier League appearance for 17-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong.

Ultimately, Pickford’s spirited resolve could only last for so long. Brooks was part of a triple change Andoni Iraola made as the game threatened to meander to yet another goalless stalemate involving Everton. Within ten minutes of his arrival, the Welsh forward had broken the deadlock, masterfully controlling a volley into the far corner which even Pickford could not claw away.

Defeat leaves Everton nervously looking over their shoulder at a relegation zone which is only two points away. Bournemouth, by comparison, have European qualification in their sights after mainting their seventh-place position.

Bournemouth player ratings (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Max Aarons, Maxwell, Kinsey-Wellings, Ben Winterburn, Remy Rees-Dottin.

Everton player ratings (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Asmir Begovic (GK), Joao Virginia (GK), Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane, Jack Harrison

Player of the match – Jordan Pickford (Everton)