Everton threw away a two-goal lead in an incident-packed game at Bournemouth.

A straight red card for Richarlison for an apparent headbutt on Adam Smith sparked an otherwise quiet game into life before the half time interval.

Marco Silva’s side came out with purpose after the break and took the lead as Theo Walcott recorded a second goal in as many games with a low finish.

The Blues’ advantage was doubled through a Michael Keane header but not before Adam Smith was sent off for the hosts after bringing down Walcott.

However the Cherries struck back with two goals in four minutes, first from a Joshua King penalty before Nathan Ake completed the hosts’ comeback.

Matters worsened for Everton as they saw Keane taken to hospital due to a clash of heads with teammate Idrissa Gueye during the game’s final stages.

Here were the key talking points from the Vitality Stadium:

Richarlison: hero becomes villain

 

On the back of an impressive start to his Everton career with three goals in his first two games, Richarlison showed his petulant side on the South Coast.

The young Brazilian winger had started the game quietly, and made his first positive contribution to the game with a skillful run down Everton’s left wing.

It was closely followed with the incident with Adam Smith, who provoked a nudge of his head towards the opponent, earned Richarlison a direct red card.

Violent conduct is something Richarlison will not have wanted against his name; he already plays with a weight of expectation as Everton’s marquee summer signing.

He needs to learn to repay that eight-figure value by staying on the pitch.

Blues still suffering Allardyce hangover

 

Focus on defensive solidity ultimately proved Sam Allardyce’s undoing.

Under Marco Silva, the tables have been turned with a clear message of Everton achieving wins with creativity and an element of entertainment.

While the idea has been welcomed, the defence still looks unsure of itself and error-prone, as Bournemouth’s two-goal turnaround in four minutes attests.

More work will be required on the training pitches to ensure the correct the balance is found for tangible progress to be made this season.

Walcott finding his feet

 

At Arsenal, the enigma that was Theo Walcott had reached a point where his quality was questionable and whether he had peaked in his abilities.

Joining Everton provided a chance for resurrection and a new environment to answer the doubters and become a main player in a team looking to improve.

At the Vitality, Walcott put in a big performance; opening the scoring and
forcing the foul that resulted in the hosts also being reduced to 10 men.

On both occasions, he harnessed his strength and pace to change the game.

Tosun should follow Wilson’s lead

 

Although Joshua King and Nathan Ake helped pull Bournemouth level, it was the contribution from an energetic Callum Wilson that they should thank most.

He ran the line, and covered much ground to put pressure on the Everton defence as they tried to play out while also having chances to score himself.

It was a performance of which Cenk Tosun might wish to take note despite providing an assist for Walcott with a perfectly timed through ball.

While the Turkey international held the ball well, some of the Wilson-esque harrying seen in this encounter would be a welcome addition to his game.