Premier League: Is Your Sweet Tooth for a Cherry or a Toffee?

Bournemouth vs Everton

The contest between these two sides earlier in the season was arguably the most remarkable that the Premier League 2024-25 will witness. For sheer last gasp drama, it was barely believable.

Since then, the Cherries have only gone from strength to strength, while Everton have recovered from a miserable start – including recent draws with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City – to the extent where it’s not unreasonable to expect some early Premier League 2025 highlights.

 

Talking Points 

Before last weekend, this SBOTOP observer would have expected a close contest but then Everton took a backward step. I did not anticipate their 2-0 reverse at home to Nottingham Forest, largely because the Toffees were coming into the contest on the back of impressive draws with the aforementioned (two of those points away from home).

Yet their performance was subdued, and they managed only two shots on target in the contest as Sean Dyche saw his side’s four-game unbeaten run come to an end.

Despite their recent good form, Everton have actually won only three league games to date and have now slipped to 16th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone. Their cause has not been helped by a profligacy in front of goal. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (two goals in 18), Beto (two in 13) and Armando Broja (0 in four) are hardly striking fear into opposing defences.

Broja may deliver more when up to speed and if he can stay fit, but recruiting a fit, reliable, and committed goalscorer must be the number one requirement of Everton’s new owners now the January transfer window is open.

By contrast, the Cherries are in the top seven and, under the management of Andoni Iraola, have markedly improved. Their scalps so far in 2024-25 include last season’s top two, City and Arsenal, and they secured a a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Old Trafford a few days before Christmas.

The character of the Cherries has not been in any doubt all season and was highlighted again in their final outing of 2024 as they twice fought back to draw 2-2 at Fulham.

Dango Ouattara came off the bench to score the second equaliser in that game as he produced a calm finish with seconds remaining.

With their seven-match unbeaten run still intact, Iraola’s side are actually only a point adrift of defending champions City in fifth. Few would have predicted that at the start of the season.

 

History 

Earlier this season when these sides met, four minutes remained, and home fans were in good voice as they led 2-0 against Bournemouth. At that point, manager Dyche’s only complaint would be that his side’s two-goal advantage scarcely did justice to their dominance.

What followed was unbelievable as the Cherries scored three times in nine chaotic minutes to spark joyous scenes among visiting players and supporters. Outplayed throughout, Iraola could scarcely believe what he had seen at the final whistle.

Antoine Semenyo’s tap-in from Ouattara’s left-wing cross to make it 2-1 looked little more than a consolation for the visitors, who trailed to second-half goals from Michael Keane and Calvert-Lewin. Instead, it signalled a complete capitulation from the hosts, who were suddenly left holding on for a point when Luis Sinisterra crossed for Cherries captain Lewis Cook to level two minutes into added time.

But still, there was more as the Toffees crumbled to their third consecutive defeat when another delivery, this time from Justin Kluivert on the left, was nodded in by Sinisterra to give Bournemouth the sweetest of victories. The incredible turnaround ensured Everton became the first club in Premier League history to lose a game after having a two-goal advantage in the 87th minute.

That was only the Cherries’ second ever victory at Goodison Park – and last one unless they get a chance in the FA Cup this season – but they have actually won six of their last eight meetings.

Last season, they won their meeting on the south coast as a last-minute own goal won the day after Beto looked to have earned the Toffees a point with an 87^th minute equaliser to Dominic Solanke’s opener.

Everton have 10 victories in total to Bournemouth’s eight and two draws. They had only actually met once until 1985 – that was a 1937 FA Cup third round tie at Goodison when Everton ran out 5-0 winners against the then named Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic.

The great Dixie Dean played in that encounter, but you may well be surprised to hear he wasn’t on the scoresheet. That accolade went to Alex Stevenson (two), Torrance Gillick (two) and Jim Cunliffe.

 

Betting Tip 

The Premier League 2025 betting odds gives the Cherries the edge. If you fancy a home win you can get odds of 1X2 @ 1.82 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 1.82.

But if your sweet tooth is more for a Toffee, then a tasty pay day awaits with Everton priced 1X2 @ 3.90 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.08. A repeat of the corresponding fixture last season will pay out @ 7.60 with Correct Score 2-1.

I am again opting for a few goals so have dismissed Total Goals 0-1, although on offer at a very attractive @ 3.31, but am going for Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.99.

   

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