Bournemouth have moved into 13th place in the Premier League standings with a 2-1 victory over Everton in Saturday's fixture at the Vitality Stadium.
Ryan Fraser opened the scoring for the Cherries in the first half but just before the hour mark, Idrissa Gueye equalised for the Toffees.
The match appeared destined for a draw but in the final minute of normal time, Fraser struck again to give his side their first win in nine top-flight fixtures.
Find out how all of the action unfolded on the South coast courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Bournemouth and Everton. The Cherries are without a win in eight matches but with Everton failing to score in their last two games, all is to play for at the Vitality Stadium. Let's see who Eddie Howe and Sam Allardyce have selected in their respective starting lineups...
BOURNEMOUTH XI: Begovic; Francis, S.Cook, Ake, A.Smith; L.Cook, Gosling; Ibe, King, Fraser; Wilson
BOURNEMOUTH SUBSTITUTES: Boruc, Simpson, Daniels, Arter, Pugh, Mousset, Afobe
EVERTON XI: Pickford; Kenny, Keane, Jagielka, Martina; Gueye, Schneiderlin, McCarthy; Lennon, Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin
EVERTON SUBSTITUTES: Robles, Williams, Bolasie, Rooney, Niasse, Davies, Holgate
Let's start with the simple stuff, shall we? Howe has decided to keep the same starting lineup that began the Boxing Day fixture with West Ham United. It means that Adam Smith keeps his place at left-back, despite the return of Charlie Daniels to the substitutes' bench.
Asmir Begovic keeps his place between the sticks, despite his two errors in the 3-3 draw at the Vitality Stadium, while Simon Francis starts at right-back having been fortunate to remain on the pitch against the Hammers after a high boot.
Lewis Cook and Dan Gosling have been given the nod in central midfield, with Harry Arter having to make do with a place among the replacements. The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a transfer ahead of the January transfer window. Jordan Ibe and Ryan Fraser stay on the flanks.
As expected, Callum Wilson is named as the lone striker with Joshua King in support. Wilson scored the all-important controversial equaliser against the Hammers but regardless of the fact that the goal should not have stood, he was in the right place at the right time to earn a point for his side.
The main team news for Everton was supposed to be the return of Wayne Rooney from illness, but Allardyce has decided to keep his top goalscorer in reserve. It means that Aaron Lennon, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin make up the front three.
However, there is one notable inclusion with James McCarthy being able to make his first start in the Premier League this season. The central midfielder has struggled with a hamstring problem for many months, but he is able to line up alongside Idrissa Gueye - who has shaken off a knock - and Morgan Schneiderlin for today's fixture on the South coast.
Changes have also been made in defence, too, with Allardyce seemingly reverting to a back four. Mason Holgate and Ashley Williams have both dropped out of the team, with Phil Jagielka being brought in to partner Michael Keane.
Unsurprisingly, Yannick Bolasie only features among the replacements after starting his first game in over a year at The Hawthorns. It should be taken as a huge positive that the winger plays a part in the 18-man squad after coming through 60 minutes in the West Midlands on Boxing Day.
This match is one of six games in the Premier League starting at 3pm, with Manchester United's meeting with Southampton coming later today. Be sure to keep an eye on our live scores section, but we will aim to bring you all of the important scores throughout the afternoon.
Bournemouth have never gone nine games without a win in the Premier League but that could change this afternoon. The Cherries have not tasted success since a 4-0 win over Huddersfield Town on November 18, with just four points being registered since that game.
At one stage this season, the Bournemouth defence did not receive the praise that they deserved for their performances, but the wheels have started to come off in that area of the pitch. No clean sheets have been kept in seven games, with 11 goals being shipped in three matches.
Before that period, Howe had watched his team concede just 11 goals over the course of a dozen contests. They also went 13 matches without letting in more than two goals in a single match. They need to get back to the form sooner rather than later.
Bournemouth have never previously had issues with scoring goals in the Premier League but as it stands, their top goalscorer is Wilson, who has netted just four goals. They've had 11 different scorers, but Howe needs one of his frontmen to contribute on a more regular basis. Conceding lots of goals and not scoring many is not a good formula.
The injury to Jermain Defoe means that King is going to need to start reproducing the form of last season. The Norwegian international was linked with Spurs during the summer after going on a hot streak at the start of 2017, but just two goals and two assists have come this term. As it stands, the Norwegian international should not expect as much interest in January.
Benik Afobe only starts on the substitutes' bench today but he, too, needs to make more of an impact in the final third. The 24-year-old - who has been linked with a return to the Championship - has failed to score in 417 minutes of top-flight football this season. His one goal came against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup.
As we pointed out earlier, Bournemouth are unchanged this afternoon but that's mainly due to the Cherries having plenty of injury concerns. In his pre-match press conference, Howe told reporters: "I will have to make quite a few late calls on a number of players ahead of this one, whether they return for this game, the next game or in two games time I don't think any injury is serious. It is frustrating that we've had a lot of injuries at a time when we've had a lot of games. Our injury record has been good until the last few weeks."
If we remain on comments made by managers, Allardyce was equally delighted with the return of Rooney as he has been disappointed with his side's efforts in front of goal. Click here to see what the former England boss has had to say.
That said, Allardyce cannot moan too much with Everton putting together four wins and three draws in his first seven matches. It's a fantastic return when you consider their form under Ronald Koeman and David Unsworth. However, having moved into the top 10, Allardyce will want his side to push on during the second half of the campaign.
In those seven matches, just two goals have been conceded, with one of those being Mohamed Salah's outstanding effort in the Merseyside derby. The biggest improvement has been made at centre-back, with Ashley Williams, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka and Mason Holgate all making important contributions. The only issue appears to be on whether a back three or back four is used, but the quartet are all versatile enough to settle into both systems.
Everton stand to equal their longest run of goalless draws if they match their previous two fixtures today. Not since 1982 have the Toffees registered three stalemates in the top flight. In one way, I imagine Allardyce would be proud of such a record...
However, if Everton do prevail this afternoon, they would end their run of three games without a win at the end of a calendar year. Since the closing days of 2014, just one draw has been recorded from three attempts.
PREDICTION! Usually, we would predict a high-scoring encounter but with Allardyce in charge of Everton, is that really going to happen? Expect a fiercely-contested match with Everton perhaps emerging victorious by the odd goal in three.
HEAD TO HEAD! Today's encounter represents just the 10th time in which these two sides have faced each other in a competitive contest, with Everton claiming seven wins and Bournemouth emerging victorious on just one occasion.
All but three of those matches have taken place since Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League, with a match in the fifth round of the FA Cup also being staged in February 2016. Everton recorded a 2-0 win on that occasion, but it is their only win at Bournemouth in three visits.
The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 1-0 victory for Howe's side, with Junior Stanislas netting midway during the first half. Click here to take a look back at that match. However, the winger misses out today due to an injury picked up last week.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out at the Vitality Stadium. As usual, the smallest ground in the Premier League is rocking. Their side need a result today to move out of the relegation zone before New Year.
A reminder of the team news...
BOURNEMOUTH XI: Begovic; Francis, S.Cook, Ake, A.Smith; L.Cook, Gosling; Ibe, King, Fraser; Wilson
EVERTON XI: Pickford; Kenny, Keane, Jagielka, Martina; Gueye, Schneiderlin, McCarthy; Lennon, Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin
KICKOFF! Bournemouth get us underway.
It's been a quiet start to the match as both teams look to set their stall out ahead of what should be a close contest. However, there are already two goals in the other matches...
LATEST! Leicester City have taken a surprise lead at Liverpool, with Jamie Vardy getting on the scoresheet. The Foxes are one of Everton's main rivals for a place in the top seven in the table. Chelsea also lead Stoke City thanks to an effort from Antonio Rudiger.
CHANCE! The first opportunity of the game goes the way of Bournemouth with Steve Cook climbing to meet a free kick from Fraser, but his header goes over the crossbar.
Everton are matching Bournemouth for possession but the Toffees have given away a number of free kicks. They have plenty of height in their ranks to defend set pieces, but Allardyce will want his players to take on a smarter approach.
Another cross is sent into the Everton penalty area but no Cherries players are there to apply the finishing touches. This will be a concern to Allardyce. They are second best right now.
Despite having the better of these opening stages, Bournemouth must remain alert to Everton's capabilities on the counter. Calvert-Lewin is struggling to get into the game, but he has the beating of Cook if he can stay away from Ake.
Both sides have found their rhythm on the South coast and as we predicted, it doesn't look like being the most open of matches. Still plenty of time to go in this one, but both defences are on top.
As we move through the opening 15 minutes, Everton are beginning to have a greater share of the ball. McCarthy has settled in well on his comeback appearance but he hasn't produced anything which has stood out.
CHANCE! Wilson finds some space in close proximity to goal and after turning Keane, the striker is able to get a shot away. However, his effort is too close to Pickford who makes an excellent block.
Before that, Lennon had broke away from Smith on the left flank before delivering a cross into the penalty area. However, a Bournemouth defender - I think it was Cook - was able to make the clearance.
What Allardyce won't like about this start is that Bournemouth are creating the better chances. Everton's lack of goals was a talking point in the build-up to this match and so far, little has been done to address it.
LATEST! If you want goals, you may as well go and follow our coverage of Chelsea versus Stoke City because the Blues are already three up! That will be music to the ears of Bournemouth supporters.
Back to this game and very little is going on. Everton are trying to get their full-backs into the game, but neither Kenny or Martina have been able to contribute anything in the final third.
SHOT! Ibe will be keen to get on the scoresheet this afternoon having previously represented Liverpool and the winger goes close with Pickford doing enough to tip his strike behind for a corner, which comes to nothing.
CHANCE! Another chance for Bournemouth, this time through Gosling who has scored a couple of goals recently. However, his header from a corner goes sailing over the crossbar.
We are through half an hour at the Vitality Stadium and while Allardyce will be disappointed with his side's performance, he will be delighted that the Toffees remain on level terms. They need to hold out until the break.
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Everton (Ryan Fraser)
It had been coming. McCarthy gives the ball away to Wilson and after he combines with King, the ball finds its way through to Fraser who drills a volley past Pickford. It's a deserved opener for the home side.
Allardyce will be eager to get his team back into the changing rooms. This just hasn't worked this afternoon. You would get short odds on Rooney being introduced at half time.
CHANCE! Just like that, Everton create an opportunity to equalise. It comes from the head of Lennon - which is a rarity - but his effort goes well over the crossbar.
SUBSTITUTION! This is a blow to Bournemouth. King had been producing one of his best showings of the season but he has been forced off with an injury. Afobe is on in his place.
There was just a glimmer of an opening for Everton after a poor back-pass, but Calvert-Lewin and Lennon were unable to combine to get a shot away.
In all fairness to Everton, they have improved since going behind, although I don't think it will be enough to prevent Allardyce from reading the riot act at half time. It's the first time he has had to do so since his arrival.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
HALF TIME: Bournemouth 1-0 Everton
The half-time whistle goes at the Vitality Stadium and Bournemouth head into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to Ryan Fraser's coolly-taken opener. Everton improved as the half progressed, but there is plenty of work for Allardyce to do ahead of the restart.
Fraser's goal came just after the half-hour mark after a spell of sustained pressure from Bournemouth. A mistake from McCarthy let in Wilson and after the ball was played to King, the Norwegian teed up Fraser to confidently finish into the corner for his third goal of the season.
Aside from a header from Lennon, Everton produced very little in that opening 45 minutes. It only feels a matter of time before either Rooney or Niasse are introduced from the bench.
We mentioned Bournemouth's injury troubles during our build-up and Howe has been forced to deal with another issue due to the withdrawal of King. The attacker had been one of his side's best players before his departure. Gosling also picked up a knock before the break.
The two teams are beginning to make their way back out. I will soon be able to tell you whether Rooney is being introduced.
KICKOFF! We are back underway. Rooney is indeed on for McCarthy.
Rooney is straight into the thick of the action and almost helps create a chance for the Toffees, but the offside flag goes up.
You would think that the introduction of Rooney will help Everton create more chances. The former England skipper has played a part in over half of Everton's goals this season. He certainly can't do much worse than what his team produced in the first half.
LATEST! There's not much happening in this fixture but Liverpool have equalised against Leicester City through Mohamed Salah. Everton will welcome that goal from their neighbours.
Yet another injury for Bournemouth, this time for Adam Smith. I think he is going to be ok to continue but Howe understandably looks concerned.
SUBSTITUTION! There is going to be another substitution but it's not for Smith. Niasse is being introduced for Calvert-Lewin.
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-1 Everton (Idrissa Gueye)
Allardyce may have introduced Rooney and Niasse but it is Gueye who gets on the scoresheet! Niasse was the provider with the ball being played through to his teammate, who made no mistake with a shot into the corner for his third goal for the Toffees.
Allardyce's team talk is certainly paying off. Everton have been much improved since the restart and if you were forced to pick a side to go on to win this match, you would select the visitors.
CHANCE! Back come Bournemouth who almost retake the lead! The ball was played to Wilson who was able to burst into the penalty area but his resulting effort was too close to Pickford, who made an excellent save.
Given how the opening 15 minutes turned out, you would not have predicted both teams starting to throw caution to the wind. A draw doesn't really suit both teams.
SHOT! Afobe has not done a whole lot since his introduction but a smart turn creates space for himself to get a shot away. However, he doesn't get enough power on his strike.
Since we suggested that Everton were very much in the ascendancy, it has been all Bournemouth. Each of their front four are causing problems for the Everton defence and they probably deserve to be back in front.
Everton's only shot on target in this game was their equaliser. Allardyce hasn't really got many more options up his sleeve. I can't see him introducing Bolasie with the game as it is.
SUBSTITUTION! Me and my big mouth. On comes Bolasie who replaces Gueye. Allardyce is going for the three points.
SHOT! It doesn't take long for the winger to get into the action with a shot being blazed well off target. Encouraging signs for Everton.
That change has probably surprised Howe. Everton now have Lennon, Rooney, Sigurdsson and Niasse all on the pitch and the Bournemouth boss is probably going to have to take that into account if he makes any changes during the final 15 minutes.
SUBSTITUTION! That change comes with Arter being brought on for Lewis Cook.
Bolasie has been excellent since his introduction and his teasing cross leads to Everton winning a corner. Players are sent forward but nothing comes from the set piece.
WOODWORK! He doesn't score many goals but Ibe has just nearly scored a stunning strike for the home side. The winger picked up the ball on the edge of the box before his effort hit the crossbar and bounced clear.
This game continues to go back and forth with neither team being happy with a stalemate. Bournemouth look like a team who know they need to end their long period without a victory.
SHOT! Ibe tries his luck again but he can't trouble Pickford from distance. Just the five minutes to go now.
SUBSTITUTION! A final change for Bournemouth sees Mousset come on for Wilson.
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-1 Everton (Ryan Fraser)
Bournemouth look to have won it and it's Fraser again! The Scot has been excellent this afternoon and he nets his second of the game with a deflected effort into the bottom corner. I think it was Keane who got the unwanted touch.
There will be five minutes of added-on time.
Bournemouth look like they are going to see this out. Based on general play, it's very much deserved.
FULL TIME: Bournemouth 2-1 Everton
The full-time whistle goes at the Vitality Stadium and Bournemouth have held on for their first win in nine matches. It will come as a huge relief to Howe and his players. As for Everton, they suffer their first defeat since the arrival of Allardyce.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope to see you again soon.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now and Happy New Year.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
