It would be unwise and premature to declare Bournemouth’s astounding fightback against Everton as a turning point in their season but the manner in which they extracted a point from the most unlikely position, twice, will certainly lift spirits among a squad that could be excused for feeling a bit down of late.
The manager, Eddie Howe, still has several worrying issues that need addressing, not least his team’s defensive shortcomings. Yet battling back in such dramatic fashion was an undeniable boost and reaffirms their belief that sticking to the attacking football that has got them to this position will keep them in the top flight.
Bournemouth had more possession, more chances and played plenty of pretty stuff in a baffling game. They were 2-0 down with 10 minutes to go after Ramiro Funes Mori and Romelu Lukaku put Everton firmly in control. An Adam Smith piledriver and a tidy finish from Junior Stanislas finish had the home side level with three minutes remaining, only for Ross Barkley to score in the 95th minute to put the visitors in front again. But Stanislas went straight up the other end to level.
Suggestions persist from some that Bournemouth’s attractive style is not enough for them to survive. But there is zero chance of Howe departing from his philosophy, no matter how perilous things get. “It reinforces the belief that we can compete,” Howe said. “It’s a point that further enhances our mentality and belief in the way that we are playing; the fact that we can get points from situations that look pretty desperate. It’s the right way for us and it reinforces a belief for the players that it can be successful at this level. I don’t doubt it for a second, but the players have to believe.”
Howe is aware fundamental problems need to be remedied soon, though. The three concessions here made it 30 for the season, the division’s joint-worst record. Bournemouth’s most recent clean sheet came in their last victory, on 19 September against Sunderland. If the defence remains this porous they will stay in the mire. “We’ve worked very hard on our defensive shape in the last month,” Howe added. “It’s not helped us at the moment but we’re hoping that in future games we will tighten up. The most important thing from our perspective is that we are scoring goals and to have any chance of staying up in this league you need to score. That pleases me.”
On the injury front, Bournemouth’s cruel luck shows no sign of changing. Now their only fit goalkeeper is Ryan Allsop, a 23-year-old who spent last season on loan at Coventry City. Artur Boruc will see a specialist this week because of a knee problem, Adam Federici’s ankle injury – falling awkwardly after punching a first-half corner clear– “doesn’t look good”, according to Howe, and, compounding matters, their key midfielder Harry Arter hobbled off with a hamstring problem. He will be assessed on Monday.
Dauntingly Chelsea and Manchester United await next, games from which Bournemouth would not be expected to get results with a full squad never mind one so depleted. The list of absentees could reach double figures yet Howe remains upbeat. “We believe we can beat anybody and this result against one of the form teams reinforced that belief. Why not create more magical moments at this football club? That’ll be my message before the games.”
Roberto Martínez neatly summarised the game from Everton’s viewpoint as “two points lost twice” and for all the obvious benefits of having a young and exciting team there are also drawbacks, in particular an inability to see out games effectively.
The manager wanted to focus on the positives – especially the form of Romelu Lukaku – but conceded lessons will need to be learned from letting a lead slip twice. “Psychologically we need to become a really tough team that has incredible desire to win games,” Martínez said. “Of course we need to get better but the reaction at 2-2 was a strong sign of how we are as a team. It’s a process and we are starting to develop a knowhow.”
As for Lukaku, who made it eight goals from his last eight, Martínez said he would not swap him for any other striker, describing the Belgian as “the perfect fit” for his team. “What Rom gives you is a reliable player that always presents an incredible threat. He’s still a young man at 22 and shouldn’t be compared to anybody – not many at his age achieve what he has achieved.”
Man of the match Ross Barkley (Everton)
