This game was meant to be a loss for Everton from the start.
With Michael Keane injured and Idrissa Gana Gueye suspended, Everton had to rely on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tim Iroegbunam to hold down the middle of the midfield, Charly Alcaraz to fill in at the 10 role, and Garner to occupy the right back role. The Toffees had to rely on a rotated squad to get the job done, and somehow, they were able to deliver a key victory against Bournemouth away from home and redeem themselves after an ugly game against Newcastle.
Fittingly, the headlines will be filled with Jack Grealish’s name, and although his goal wasn’t an absolute worldie, it was enough to push Everton over the line.
Fans have been pleading with Grealish to shoot more and take advantage of the space he is given, and against Bournemouth, he finally did. Right after his goal, Grealish went over to celebrate with the Everton supporters while kissing the badge, which was an incredible moment for the traveling fans to experience.
Grealish didn’t have a great game by his standards, and it showcases how a goal can really flip a narrative. Hopefully, he continues to increase his shot output because nobody else on the team is providing those at a consistent enough rate.
As he tries to make a name for himself once again and clinch a spot on England’s roster for the 2026 World Cup, grabbing goal contributions will help strengthen his case, even if the goals themselves aren’t that pretty.