Bournemouth made a strong start to the match, controlling possession and putting Everton on the back foot early on. Their efforts paid off when Semenyo was fouled in the box by Tarkowski, and he calmly converted the resulting penalty to give Bournemouth the lead. The visitors continued to press, and late in the first half, they doubled their advantage. A rebound in the box fell to Jebbison, who made no mistake in firing past Pickford to extend Bournemouth's lead to two. Everton came out for the second half with renewed energy and determination, quickly creating a series of chances. Alcaraz’s free kick from just outside the box came agonizingly close, striking the right post. Moments later, Harrison's cross found O'Brien in the box, but his header cannoned off the left post. Everton’s luck didn’t improve as another cross from Harrison on the right found no one, but the ball struck the left post once again. Despite these near-misses, Everton struggled to break down Bournemouth's defense and could not convert their opportunities.