Premier League
Late Tarkowski header denies Bournemouth first win of the season
Everton snatch a 90th-minute draw at Vitality Stadium as James Tarkowski’s header cancels out Alex Scott’s first-half strike.
Bournemouth started their second Premier League outing on Saturday afternoon hoping to pick up their first points of the new campaign. They faced Everton at the Vitality Stadium in a fixture that promised to test both sides after contrasting opening-week results. From the first whistle, the hosts pressed with urgency, looking to impose themselves on a visiting defence that had shipped goals in its previous outing. The early stages were punctuated by a yellow card for Alex Scott in the 21st minute, followed quickly by a caution for Adam Smith two minutes later, as the home side’s intensity occasionally spilled into indiscipline. Despite the bookings, Bournemouth maintained their attacking rhythm, and it was Scott who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. The midfielder converted a well-worked move, assisted by Francisco Evanilson, to send the Vitality Stadium into raptures and send the teams into the interval with the hosts leading 1-0. Everton emerged for the second half with a clearer sense of purpose, though they had to wait until the final stages to find an equaliser. James Garner picked up a yellow card in the 59th minute as the Toffees attempted to impose themselves in midfield, but it was at the back that they would ultimately make their mark. In the 90th minute of added time, James Tarkowski rose highest to head home an Everton corner, sending the travelling supporters into delirium and ensuring the points would be shared. The goal, coming deep into stoppage time, was the final act of a contest that saw both sides lift their performance levels after a cagey opening. Charly Alcaraz was shown a yellow card in the 90th minute of stoppage time as the referee brought an end to a dramatic afternoon. The 1-1 draw leaves Everton with a point from their opening match, placing them fifth in the early standings, while Bournemouth remain without a win, sitting 15th after their first game of the season. Both teams will take heart from the performance, but the late twist will sting the home support as they reflect on what might have been.