Evanilson gave Bournemouth’s new era a sharp, stylish opening as Marco Rose claimed his first Premier League victory since replacing Andoni Iraola. The Brazilian forward supplied one goal, one assist and the moment everyone remembered in a 2-0 win over Sunderland, turning towards the stands before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.
There was barely time for the match to settle before Bournemouth were ahead. Evanilson nicked possession from Danso and released Marcus Tavernier, who scored after four minutes. The Sunderland defender’s afternoon worsened in the 17th minute when Evanilson drew another foul from him, bringing a red card and leaving the visitors with ten men.
The second half brought the forward’s landmark. Omar Alderete’s loose back-pass was intercepted, Evanilson rounded goalkeeper Robin Roefs and, with the goal empty, deliberately looked away to his left before finishing in the 48th minute. It was a neat salute to the old Roberto Firmino trick and carried extra weight as the 100th professional goal of Evanilson’s career.
A forward doing several jobs
Bournemouth paid €44.8 million to bring Evanilson from Porto in 2024, and Rose believes the return is about much more than the finishing. The 26-year-old has three goals this season, including two in the league, alongside four assists from nine appearances.
Rose said Evanilson is regularly undervalued when he does not find the net, despite the range of work he gives the side. “He is usually very good, but this was an outstanding performance,” the Bournemouth manager said. “He is one of those players who may not get the credit he deserves unless he scores. I am pleased he has goals now because he is a number nine, a nine-and-a-half, and he has even played as a number 10 at times this season.”
The manager also pointed to his forward’s ability to protect the ball, drop into deeper areas and lead the press. “His work for the team, with and without possession, is exceptional,” Rose said. “When he comes deeper he remains a very good player, and his technical quality can offer us plenty.”
For Bournemouth, the result was the useful part. For Evanilson, whose afternoon already had the look of a complete centre-forward’s display, the finish added a little theatre. The no-look goal has found its way back into the Premier League.
