Tarkowski injury‑time equaliser spares Everton at the Vitality
James Tarkowski scored an injury‑time equaliser as Everton denied Bournemouth a win at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League on 29 August 2026. The late goal arrived in stoppage time to salvage a draw for the visitors.
The match was played in wind and rain as Bournemouth begin a period of stadium renovation, with exoskeletons to be filled in and new security cordons to negotiate. Marco Rose selected almost the same starting XI left by Andoni Iraola, António Silva the only addition, and Bournemouth’s unbeaten home record that stretches back to 3 January remained intact despite another late concession. Alex Scott, described in the report as a Channel Islander, scored in the first half and his overall performance drew prolonged applause from the crowd.
Everton’s situation was described as volatile before kick‑off, with the away contingent singing for Harrison Armstrong, 19, who has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and prompting the chant, "you're going to have a riot on your hands." The coverage referenced a longer history of young players leaving Everton, listing Wayne Rooney, John Stones and Francis Jeffers as examples, and noted discussions around Jack Grealish potentially returning from Manchester City as part of a swap involving Iliman Ndiaye.
Everton started the game strongly with eight shots in the first 30 minutes; Jarrad Branthwaite went close early. Djordje Petrovic fumbled a Tyrique George attempt that should have been converted by Thierno Barry before Bournemouth gradually took control, with Rayan increasingly influential and Vitalii Mykolenko described as struggling to deal with the Brazilian’s incursions.
Scott’s goal arrived when he controlled a pass from Evanilson, dropped his shoulder and drilled the ball beyond Jordan Pickford. Thierno Barry wasted a later opportunity, rifling a chance created by Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall into the side‑netting, despite having already scored four goals this season.
The second half saw Rose’s side play with greater directness, with Evanilson chasing long balls from defence while Scott directed play and Adrien Truffert made forward runs from full‑back. Beto replaced Barry and Hayden Hackney was introduced; Moyes’ frustration was noted as Pickford and Hackney combined to divert goal‑bound attempts from Rayan and Evanilson, and Scott left the field to an ovation.
From an outswinging corner late in the game Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie became entangled and James Tarkowski, unmarked, stabbed home the equaliser. The goal arrived in injury time to deny Bournemouth victory.
Milan will visit Dorset this autumn, and Bournemouth face travel to San Sebastián, Galicia and Czechia in forthcoming fixtures as the club continues work on the Vitality’s redevelopment.
