Everton’s FA Cup campaign came to an end with a disappointing performance against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Toffees have now suffered defeat in all three of their encounters with the Cherries this season.
This was arguably the poorest display under David Moyes’ management, with Everton looking far removed from the team they have been in recent weeks.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola had suggested that Everton held an advantage heading into the match due to the atmosphere at Goodison Park.
However, that advantage failed to materialize once the game began, as the Toffees were outplayed for much of the contest.
One particular moment in the first half sparked controversy among the home supporters at Goodison.
Bournemouth’s penalty may have been offside vs Everton:
The visitors took the lead after being awarded a penalty following a challenge by James Tarkowski on Antoine Semenyo.
Reporting for Sky Sports, Vinny O’Connor noted that there may have been an offside in the build-up to Tarkowski’s foul.
“I thought there was a hint of offside when the ball was played into Semenyo,” he said.
“Once play went on though the challenge from Tarkowski was always going to be a penalty.”
With no VAR in use at this stage of the FA Cup, the referee had to rely on his assistant, who did not raise the flag for the potential offside.
Alan Shearer had praised Jordan Pickford earlier in the week, but the Everton goalkeeper was unable to add another penalty save to his record.
While Everton may have had grounds to appeal for the offside, there was little else to dispute in what was a comprehensive defeat.
Everton second best in Bournemouth defeat:
John Brooks had no hesitation in awarding the foul on Tarkowski, with the defender’s challenge deemed reckless.
Overall, it was a lackluster performance from Everton, who struggled to match Bournemouth’s intensity and quality.
Everton now turn their attention to Wednesday night’s rescheduled Merseyside Derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Given the form Liverpool have shown this season, Moyes will need a significant improvement from his side if they are to secure a positive result in the derby.
