Share

Niasse is Everton's unlikely match-winner

Liverpool - Oumar Niasse came in from the cold to lift Everton as the Senegal forward's second-half brace clinched a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Ronald Koeman's side were heading for a fourth successive Premier League defeat when Josh King put Bournemouth ahead after the interval at Goodison Park.

But Niasse, frozen out for much of last season by Koeman, came off the bench to score twice in his first appearance for Everton in the Premier League since May 2016.

Thanks to Niasse's heroics, Everton won for the first time in five league games to climb out of the relegation zone.

After spending over £140 million on new signings during the close-season, Everton have been struggling under the weight of increased expectations and this was a vital three points for the under-fire Koeman.

Bournemouth remain in the bottom three after their fifth defeat from six league games.

Routed 6-3 at Everton last season, Bournemouth were on the back foot again as Gylfi Sigurdsson appealed in vain for an early penalty after tumbling under pressure from Dan Gosling.

Rooney was furious after an elbow from Bournemouth's Simon Francis left him prone on the turf with blood pouring from a gash just above his eye.

Adding insult to injury for Rooney on his 400th Premier League start, the challenge went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson, who turned down Everton's penalty claim and took no action against Francis.

Rooney left the pitch to change his shirt and clean up his blood-stained face, but the former Manchester United star was able to return to action before halftime.

Bournemouth hadn't scored an away goal all season, but King ended that barren run in spectacular fashion, taking Charlie Daniels' pass and drilling home from 20 yards in the 49th minute.

Jermain Defoe should have doubled Bournemouth's lead moments later when he ran clear, but Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made the save.

Koeman responded by sending on Tom Davies and Niasse for Rooney and Davy Klaassen.

It proved an inspired change as Davies set up Everton's 77th minute equaliser with a precise cross that his fellow substitute Niasse slammed into the net.

Niasse wasn't content to settle for his first Premier League goal for Everton and he bagged the winner in the 82nd minute.

Asmir Begovic saved Niasse's initial header but the rebound fell perfectly for the forward to steer home.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE