BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
James Tarkowski races away in celebration after his dramatic equaliser for Everton at Bournemouth(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Everton scored a dramatic-stoppage time equaliser at Bournemouth through captain James Tarkowski after it looked like they’d be undone by Alex Scott’s 41st minute goal to earn a 1-1 draw.
The game was played against the backdrop of Nottingham Forest reportedly working on a deal for Blues’ home-grown hero Harrison Armstrong, but the 19-year-old Scouser started, alongside Iliman Ndiaye, who has been linked with a potential move to Manchester City ahead of the transfer window closing.
David Moyes’ men started brightly but were hit by a sucker punch late in the first half as Scott’s shot deflected off Vitalii Mykolenko past Jordan Pickford.
Thierno Barry missed several good opportunities to score as it appeared that home boss Marco Rose would pick up three points in his maiden home game in charge but Tarkowski pounced late on to earn a share of the spoils.
READ MORE: Oliver Glasner makes Nottingham Forest transfers admission after shock bid for Everton's Harrison Armstrong
And here's how we rated the Everton players...
Jordan Pickford 8
Went into this contest on the back of two clean sheets, England’s number one looked alert, punching a corner off his line and saving from Rayan at his near post before keeping out a stinging effort from Justin Kluivert but was then beaten for the first time this season by Scott’s low drive which took a deflection off Mykolenko and saved well from Rayan late on.
Merlin Rohl 6
The auxiliary right-back – surely the Blues must sign a specialist before the transfer window closes – was tested out of possession when on the back foot but competed gamely in what remains a new position for him and he continued to look athletic when driving forwards.
James Tarkowski 8
The captain, clutching the badge on his jersey, was Everton’s stoppage-time saviour as the centre-back showed the coolness of a centre-forward to drive the ball past Dorde Petrovic when it fell to him from Hayden Hackney’s corner after his lack of pace had been exposed badly when left one on one against Evanilson in the build-up to Bournemouth taking the lead against the run of play.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
After being rested midweek as the Blues continue to manage his minutes, he almost put the visitors ahead early on with a similar move to his only goal of last season at Newcastle United but his header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner was spectacularly clawed away by Dorde Petrovic, he nevertheless makes his side a more assured looking unit at the back.
Vitalii Mykolenko 6
Having started the season brightly, he was unfortunate to deflect Scott’s shot past Pickford, having generally hung in when trying to deal with lively Brazil international prospect Rayan and offering a threat from crosses going forwards.
James Garner 6
Having made a swift return from a hernia, Everton’s Player of the Season, made his second start in four days as he works his way back to sharpness and remains a work in progress, making a last-gasp clearance to deny Scott after being dispossessed cheaply on the edge of his own area and then getting hooked just after the hour-mark having been booked moments earlier for barging into Marcus Tavernier.
Harrison Armstrong 7
The young man in the spotlight given Nottingham Forest’s reputed interest, he didn’t enjoy the same kind of influence as in Everton’s previous two games but was neat and tidy again in possession and stood up well in a physical contest with the travelling supporters making their feelings known about their home-grown hero.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
Another star Evertonians hope isn’t playing his last game for the club, he looked lively again, zipping around the turf with mazy dribbles and forcing Petrovic into a smart stop with a low drive.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 7
Created a trio of chances for the Blues, he was a threat from his corner-kick deliveries – notably teeing up Branthwaite for his headed effort – while trying to drive his side forwards, picking out Barry for a big opportunity in first half stoppage time.
Tyrique George 7
One of Everton’s liveliest players in the first half before fading after the break, he offered a repeated threat cutting inside from the left and shooting on his right foot with one effort being spilled by Petrovic and providing Barry with a chance on the rebound before seeing his influence wane in the second half as he made way.
Thierno Barry 6
Probably should have scored his fifth goal of the season here didn’t have his shooting boots on this time around, he reacted quickest to Petrovic spilling George’s shot but his rebound was kept out by the Bournemouth keeper, and he should have done better when firing wide in first half stoppage time having been picked out by Dewsbury-Hall before being denied again in the second period only for the flag to go up for offside.
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Hayden Hackney (on 61 for Garner) 7
Looked to carry the ball forwards as Everton pushed for an equaliser while made a crucial clearance to deflect an Evanilson effort wide and deny Bournemouth from doubling their lead and it was from his stoppage time corner that the visitors equalised through Tarkowski.
Brennan Johnson (on 61 for George) 6
Provided some added energy out wide in the final half an hour but was unable to show any end product on this occasion.
Beto (on 70 for Barry) 6
Put himself about in the latter stages but earned ironic cheers from the home fans with a wild shot that was well off target.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 86 for Rohl)
Never mind Rohl – or even Jake O’Brien – the fact that he finished this game as Everton’s right-back tells you all you need to know about their need to recruit a specialist in the position.
Charly Alcaraz (on 86 for Armstrong)
Lively cameo, he flashed a pass across the face of goal, could have played the ball through for a second goal and then was booked for taking out David Brooks.