In a historic and poignant FA Cup fourth-round clash, Bournemouth emerged victorious against Everton with a decisive 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
This match marked the final FA Cup tie to be played at the iconic stadium, adding an extra layer of emotion to the Cherries’ impressive performance.
Antoine Semenyo was the catalyst for Bournemouth’s triumph, his electrifying pace and skill proving a constant thorn in Everton’s side. The Ghanaian winger won and converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
Semenyo’s influence didn’t stop there. He continued to torment Everton’s defense, particularly James Tarkowski, whose afternoon was marred by conceding the penalty and a crucial error that led to Bournemouth’s second goal.
Tarkowski’s woes compounded when his attempted clearance from a short goal-kick landed directly at the feet of Marcus Tavernier.
Tavernier’s shot was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly to Daniel Jebbison, who calmly slotted the ball home past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 43rd minute.
This goal marked Jebbison’s second in consecutive cup games, a welcome return to form for the Canadian-born forward after a challenging period.
For Everton manager David Moyes, the defeat was a bitter blow. Having overseen three consecutive league wins, hopes were high that a cup run could provide a much-needed boost and potentially deliver silverware to Goodison Park for the first time since 1995.
Moyes fielded a strong starting eleven, but his side struggled to contain Bournemouth’s energetic attack.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Iliman Ndiaye and a late surge spurred by the debut of new loan signing Carlos Alcaraz, Everton couldn’t find a way back into the game.
Alcaraz’s free-kick that struck the post, followed by close calls from Jake O’Brien and Jack Harrison, were mere glimpses of what could have been. Even with center-back Michael Keane deployed as a makeshift striker in the dying minutes, Everton were unable to break down Bournemouth’s resolute defense.
The final whistle blew, confirming Bournemouth’s victory and sealing Everton’s fate in their last FA Cup game at Goodison Park.
