The Cherries skipper admitted it was a “tough battle” at the Vitality Stadium as Sunderland earned a hard-fought Premier League point
Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier admitted it was a “scrappy” contest as the Cherries were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium - a result that stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to eight matches.
Evanilson’s second-half strike cancelled out Eliezer Mayenda’s opener in a game that ebbed and flowed without ever fully settling. Andoni Iraola’s side improved after the break, with Tavernier’s delivery providing the assist for the leveller following the Brazilian’s introduction at half-time.
Reflecting on the contest, Tavernier said: “I feel like it was a scrappy game from start to finish, it was a tough battle out there. We knew in the second half we had to come out fast. The gaffer pointed out that we had to put in balls early. It’s something we’ve worked on every week, especially as wide players putting the ball into the box for centre-forwards, and luckily it fell for Evanilson for his goal.
“We never give up. We know the first half wasn’t ourselves. In the second half we knew we needed a reaction and we got that today. It’s always the plan to try and win games of football. Today it wasn’t meant to be but we dust ourselves down because we’ve got a quick turnaround.”
Sunderland had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Habib Diarra’s powerful effort was parried by Djordje Petrovic straight into Mayenda’s path, the Spaniard reacting quickest to bundle home from close range. Bournemouth struggled to break Sunderland down in the first half, prompting Iraola to introduce Evanilson for David Brooks at the interval.
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The change proved decisive, with the substitute injecting quality and composure into the hosts’ attack. His equaliser in the 63rd minute came after meeting Tavernier’s cross, though the goal was subject to a lengthy VAR review for possible handball. Replays confirmed the ball struck Evanilson’s shoulder and the decision stood.
Sunderland thought they had won it late on when Diarra found the net in the 81st minute, but the assistant’s flag cut short the celebrations for an offside on Geertudia. The draw keeps Bournemouth eighth and firmly in the hunt for European football, while Sunderland move up to 11th after halting a three-game losing run.
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