Everton 1-0 Bournemouth: Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stunner keeps Toffees in Premier League
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Updated 28/05/2023 at 21:31 GMT
Everton pulled off a final-day escape to preserve their Premier League status thanks to victory at home to Bournemouth. Sean Dyche’s Toffees side went into the final game of the season at Goodison Park knowing a win would keep them up. At one stage they were staring at relegation when Leicester City took the lead at home to West Ham, but Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal kept Everton up.
A 'big step' but still 'loads to change' - Dyche after Everton avoid relegation
An incredible strike by Abdoulaye Doucoure ensured Everton extended their 69-year stay in England’s top-flight with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, a result that consigned Leicester to the Championship.
Sean Dyche’s side started the day outside of the drop zone in the Premier League and knew their destiny was in their own hands but required a stunning goal by Doucoure just shy of the hour-mark to relieve the pressure at Goodison Park.
It means Leicester, who defeated West Ham 2-1, and Leeds, who lost 4-1 to Tottenham, are relegated to the second tier.
Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Mark Travers – standing in for captain Neto, who was absent due to personal reasons – was forced into two impressive saves in the first half.
The Toffees’ best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes fell to Idrissa Gueye whose effort was straight at Travers. As news filtered in that 18th-placed Leicester were leading against West Ham, Everton’s desperation began to grow, and the Bournemouth shot stopper tipped over James Garner’s effort to increase the trepidation inside Goodison Park.
There were scares defensively, too, with Yerry Mina making a desperate last-ditch block to deny Dominic Solanke.
The chances kept coming for Everton after the break, and when Demarai Gray failed to beat Travers from point-blank range, it felt like it could have been one of those days for the hosts.
But the relief was tangible when Doucoure broke the deadlock with a first-time volley from the edge of the box to finally give Everton the lead.
Everton had Jordan Pickford to thank for pulling off an impressive save at the death, and the hosts had to endure 10 minutes of stoppage-time before their safety was confirmed. It proved to be worth the wait as Everton celebrated their escape in emotional scenes at the full-time whistle with the supporters spilling onto the pitch.
Talking point - Dyche proves the saviour for Toffees
Sean Dyche was brought in to replace Frank Lampard as Everton boss with one objective: save the club from relegation. When he was appointed in January, The Toffees were three points adrift of safety, so it was never going to be an easy feat.
But he has instilled a belief in his team and that has culminated in a series of important results – most notably the 5-1 win at Brighton and the recent last gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Wolves.
There are challenges aplenty for the Everton boss as he looks to next season but for now he can just bask in the glory of a job well done.
Player of the match - Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)
It’s no surprise that Doucoure was Everton’s hero on the final day of the season. In a campaign of mediocrity, the midfielder has stood out on several occasions and when it mattered most he provided the crucial moment.
Player ratings
Everton: Pickford 7, Coady 7, Mina 8, Tarkowski 7, McNeil 6, Gueye 6, Garner 7, Onana 7, Doucoure 8*, Iwobi 6, Gray 6.. subs: Simms 5.
Bournemouth: Travers 7, Smith 6, Zabarnyi 6, Senesi 6, Kelly 5, Billing 5, Lerma 5, Brooks 7, Christie 5, Ouattara 5, Solanke 5.. subs: Vina 6, Moore 5, Anthony N/A.
Match highlights
31’ - BIG SAVE! Gueye has a clear sight at goal but shoots straight down the middle and allows Travers to tip the ball over the bar. A huge chance for Everton and if Gueye picks a corner rather than opting for power he may well have been celebrating.
45’+3 - ACROBATIC SAVE! Travers is under real pressure to punch McNeil's cross - but only as far as Garner whose effort is destined for the top corner until the Bournemouth goalkeeper tips it over the bar!
50’ - GRAY MUST SCORE! Zabarnyi's attempted clearance falls kindly for Gray but from point-blank range he fails to generate enough power in his header to beat Travers. Is it going to be one of those days for The Toffees?
57’ - GOAL! EVERTON 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH (ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE): What an incredible goal by Doucoure - and it may well keep Everton in the Premier League! The midfielder is perfectly placed on the edge of the box to rifle home a first-time volley into the top corner, leaving Travers helpless.
90'+5 - PICKFORD TO THE RESCUE! Vina connects with a volley on the edge of the box, drawing Pickford into a huge save! Oh my!
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