David Moyes admitted Everton have themselves to blame after a costly second-half collapse saw Bournemouth snatch a 2-1 Premier League victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees looked on course to stretch their unbeaten run to six matches when Iliman Ndiaye coolly converted a first-half penalty, handing the hosts a deserved advantage at the break.
Momentum appeared to be with Moyes’ men, and early in the second half they carved out two golden chances to double the lead.
After failing to make their pressure count, Everton were punished during a chaotic eight-minute spell.
First, Rayan rose highest to nod Bournemouth level. Then, almost immediately, Amine Adli completed the turnaround with another clinical header, flipping the script at pace.
To compound matters, Jake O’Brien was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving the Blues with a mountain to climb.
Reflecting on the setback, Moyes did not hide his frustration.
“I’ve not got much to say, really. I’m disappointed,” Moyes said.
“It’s a game we could have won, possibly. It looked as if we might have done. It was a bit scrappy at times, but I’m just disappointed that we gave away two really poor goals. We also missed two or three [chances] ourselves, so we’ve only ourselves to blame.
“I think just after half-time… we started the second half well but it’s only talk if you don’t score – and we’re not scoring enough.”
Despite going down to 10 men, Everton pushed forward in the closing stages, throwing bodies ahead of the ball in search of an equaliser.
While the comeback never materialised, Moyes was quick to defend the commitment of his squad.
“The players have done a great job here. The results and performances they’ve got themselves in the league have been really good, so no complaints [over the spirit] at all.
“In the end, this was a night where fine margins proved decisive. Everton had control, created chances and carried belief but in the Premier League, missed opportunities are often punished swiftly.
As the dust settles, Moyes will demand sharper finishing and greater defensive concentration as the Toffees look to respond in their next outing.
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