Bournemouth Outclass Everton in Sweltering New Jersey Summer Series Kickoff
No one expected the Premier League Summer Series opener in the heat-soaked MetLife Stadium to be so one-sided, but Bournemouth made sure it was a night to remember. Their 3-0 win over Everton left little doubt about their intentions going into the new season—and all eyes were on Philip Billing, who’s just returned from Napoli and wasted zero time reminding everyone of his talent.
Both teams had to battle the stifling New Jersey humidity as well as each other. The first half actually gave Everton fans some hope. Illiman Ndiaye, Carlos Alcaraz, and Beto were quick out of the gate, stringing together solid chances. It looked like Bournemouth might get pinned back, especially when Beto—fresh off his best spell in months—forced keeper Djordje Petrovic into a tricky save. Petrovic, Bournemouth's new shot-stopper, was quick to put his stamp on the game with sharp reactions and commanding presence.
But all of Everton’s early momentum vanished after halftime. The real shift came in the 55th minute when Philip Billing pounced. Reuniting with Hamed Traore for a slick one-two on the edge of the area, Billing found the smallest pocket of space and let rip from just outside the box. The shot was low, hard, and perfectly placed—Jordan Pickford barely even moved.
Everton barely had time to regroup before another hammer blow arrived. Just five minutes after the opener, Dango Ouattara took advantage of some shambolic defending by Nathan Patterson. Ouattara didn’t hesitate, weaving along the right flank and smashing a vicious shot from an absurdly tight angle straight into the top corner. Pickford could only watch as the net bulged.
Bournemouth’s confidence was soaring at this point, and they pushed their foot even further down on the gas. Daniel Adu-Adjei, still new to senior football, was eager to make a mark. When Everton’s Jacob O’Brien played a thoughtless back-pass, Adu-Adjei pounced. One-on-one with Pickford, he stayed ice-cool and slotted home his very first goal for Bournemouth’s first team. At only 69 minutes, the contest was effectively settled—and the young striker’s celebration said it all.
The rest of the match saw Bournemouth manage the pace, conscious not to overextend in the brutal heat. Everton, meanwhile, looked shell-shocked and failed to create any meaningful danger. Bournemouth’s defense, organized and relentless, kept the Toffees at bay and protected Petrovic’s clean sheet. It was a small taste of the resilience the Cherries hope to bring into the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Billing’s Return and Petrovic’s Impact Set the Tone
This match was more than just a pre-season test. For Bournemouth, it was a statement—especially with Philip Billing in midfield. His return from Serie A seems to have elevated his game, with the Napoli experience adding polish and hunger. Tracking back and joining attacks, Billing was everywhere. For neutral fans, his goal will live long in the memory. For Bournemouth supporters, it’s a reminder that their side may punch above its weight this season.
On the other side, Everton’s inability to convert bright starts into real results continues to be their Achilles’ heel. Missed opportunities from Ndiaye and Beto will haunt them, as will their defensive lapses. Jordan Pickford looked exposed and frustrated after the third goal, and you sense Sean Dyche has a lot to rethink before the league’s real business begins.
This Summer Series opener was also a bit of a dress rehearsal for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which will happen in the same stadium. If you needed a preview of the drama, pace, and unpredictability that football can bring—even in the American summer—you couldn’t ask for a better showcase than Bournemouth’s crisp, ruthless takedown of Everton.
