Bournemouth ended Everton’s FA Cup journey in the fourth round, dashing David Moyes’ hopes of securing silverware this season with a 2-0 victory.
The Toffees, coming off three consecutive league wins that eased their relegation worries, were aiming for a much-needed cup distraction. But the energetic Cherries proved anything but accommodating.
Antoine Semenyo was at the heart of Bournemouth’s relentless attack, giving Everton’s James Tarkowski a torrid time.
The Ghanaian winger, who had inspired Bournemouth’s stunning comeback from 2-0 down at Goodison Park in August, was again the tormentor-in-chief.
He won and converted a 23rd-minute penalty, luring Tarkowski into a clumsy challenge that left the referee no choice.
Semenyo’s menace didn’t stop there. His persistent pressure led to a costly mistake from Tarkowski, whose errant clearance gifted the ball to Marcus Tavernier. Tavernier set up Daniel Jebbison, who calmly slotted home after Jordan Pickford parried the initial effort, scoring in back-to-back cup games.
Jebbison, a Canadian-born striker, had been recalled from a loan spell at Watford due to Bournemouth’s injury crisis. Despite a goal drought stretching back to January 2023, he has now netted twice in six appearances since joining the club for £1.5m from Burton last summer.
Moyes, determined to end Everton’s long trophy drought, dating back to 1995, named a strong starting lineup, with Vitalii Mykolenko the only absentee due to a minor calf injury.
However, after an early chance for Iliman Ndiaye, who weaved through defenders only to have his shot blocked by Kepa Arrizabalaga, Everton struggled to match Bournemouth’s intensity.
Semenyo, after being taken down by Tarkowski’s sliding tackle, confidently converted his penalty past Pickford, who dived the right way.
He later had a goal-bound effort blocked by Jarrad Branthwaite, but Branthwaite’s attempted clearance fell to Jebbison, who pounced to double Bournemouth’s lead.
Everton’s fightback never quite materialized, though debutant Carlos Alcaraz offered a spark after coming off the bench. His 30-yard free-kick rattled the outside of the post, and Jake O’Brien’s header hit the opposite upright, while Jack Harrison’s inswinging cross clipped the bar.
In a desperate bid for a late comeback, centre-back Michael Keane was deployed as a makeshift striker, but Bournemouth held firm to secure their place in the next round.
