It was a hectic day to be an Evertonian as news surrounding Harrison Armstrong emerged hours before the game against the Cherries
Two things learnt from Everton's trip to the Vitality
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
David Moyes’ side rescued a late point against Bournemouth in what was a dramatic day on and off the field.
Young midfielder Harrison Armstrong was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, and the Everton faithful made their thoughts known.
James Tarkowski’s leveler means that the Blues are still unbeaten after two games and will face Manchester United next Sunday, in what will be their first game after the transfer window shuts.
Everton’s unbeaten start to the season
David Moyes’ side started the game strong and were able to dictate the game at their tempo. The Blues had numerous chances and could have easily been heading into half-time leading, if Dorde Petrovic wasn’t in inspired form.
Thierno Barry, who has four goals to his name, once again continued to show promise throughout the game at the Vitality Stadium. Despite not scoring, the Frenchman had three big chances but showed that he’s getting in the right position and getting those chances.
Alex Scott opened the scoring for Bournemouth following a fast counter-attack before Marco Rose’s side took control of the second half and could have put Everton out of sight, if it wasn’t for heroic blocks from David Moyes’ side.
Bournemouth failed to defend an Everton corner and the ball ricocheted to James Tarkowski, who struck home and gave the Toffees a well-deserved point.
With days remaining of the transfer window, the question remains: will Everton sign a right-back, and what is the squad profiling going forward?
Harrison Armstrong transfer saga
On the morning of the game against Bournemouth, it was reported by David Ornstein that Nottingham Forest were working on a deal to bring the 19-year-old to the City Ground.
This news sparked shock and anger within the Everton fanbase, as Armstrong has risen through the Everton ranks and is seen as their best academy graduate in recent years.
The Evertonians who travelled down to the Vitality Stadium certainly voiced their opinions with a fierce message saying: “If you sell Armstrong, Harrison Armstrong, you’re gonna have a riot on your hands.”
Armstrong did feature in the draw against Bournemouth, and on the following morning, Ornstein again reported that Everton have decided to opt against selling the youngster.
For supporters, this raises questions about the club's progress and why it was in a position where it could have sold its promising talent.
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Armstrong has started all of Everton’s three games of the season and has had a meteoric rise to the first team, following two successful loans at Derby and Preston North End.
The England U19 international could be Everton’s midfielder for the next decade and has looked mature beyond his years, but the question that the fanbase will be asking is: what is the transfer plan, and why was the club in a position to willingly sell Armstrong?
Evertonians once again voiced their opinion and had their say, which shows the power of the fanbase.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates his late equalising goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates his late equalising goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Head CoachDavid Moyes of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Head CoachDavid Moyes of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Everton at Vitality Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Everton F.C. manager David Moyes celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Everton at Deepdale in Preston, on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Everton F.C. manager David Moyes celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Everton at Deepdale in Preston, on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
David Moyes is into his 13th full season as manager of Everton (Getty Images)
David Moyes is into his 13th full season as manager of Everton (Getty Images)
(Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
(Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)