Everton ended a run of seven games without a win by claiming a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
Marc Pugh cancelled out Tom Cleverley's goal two minutes after the Everton midfielder opened the scoring in the first half, but it was Leighton Baines's 64th-minute strike that gave the Toffees all three points.
The result may give manager Roberto Martinez some breathing room, but a large number of the supporters are intent on the Spaniard leaving the club.
Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.
2.00pmAfternoon all! There are only a handful of games left to play before the Premier League season is out. Today's could be a pivotal one for Everton manager Roberto Martinez, whose future at Goodison Park remains unclear. The Merseyside outfit welcome Bournemouth to their home ground, and we will bring you all the action as it happens!
2.04pmAs mentioned, it's a rather gloomy time at Everton as fans are calling for Martinez to be sacked following a dismal season. It was a disappointing end to the 2014-15 campaign as Everton finished 11th, but so far, they have not improved on that as the club are currently in the same position on 41 points after 34 games. They have not won any of their last seven games in all competitions, so a win today is much-needed!
2.06pmAs for Bournemouth, well, things could not have gone better. It looked to be a major struggle early in the season when they lost summer signings Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel to long-term injuries. Callum Wilson later added to the injury list, but they managed to cope with their misfortunes and pull themselves away from the relegation zone. The Cherries are now level on points with Everton, 10 points above the drop.
2.07pmI'm sure you're all awaiting team news! Lucky for you, I have the lineups right here. Let's begin with the hosts...
2.08pmEVERTON XI: Howard; Baines, Stones, Pennington, Besic; Gibson, McCarthy; Cleverley, Barkley, Lennon; Niasse
Subs: Robles, Hibbert, Oviedo, Lukaku, Mirallas, Osman, Hassan
Subs: Robles, Hibbert, Oviedo, Lukaku, Mirallas, Osman, Hassan
2.08pmBOURNEMOUTH XI: Boruc; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Arter, Surman, Pugh, Ritchie; Wilson, King
Subs: Gosling, Stanislas, Afobe, Federici, Grabban, Wiggins, O'Kane
Subs: Gosling, Stanislas, Afobe, Federici, Grabban, Wiggins, O'Kane
2.12pmThe big news for Everton is that Romelu Lukaku has been dropped to the bench. The Belgian striker, who has been struggling for goalscoring form of late, has been replaced with Oumar Niasse. Young Matthew Pennington is making his debut this afternoon due to a host of absentees in defence. As well as the introduction of Pennington and Niasse, goalkeeper Tim Howard has replaced Joel Robles in goal. Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman and Gareth Barry are all sidelined with injuries, while Ramiro Funes Mori is suspended.
2.13pmSo, Leighton Baines, John Stones, Pennington and Muhamed Besic will sit in front of Howard. Darren Gibson will line the midfield alongside James McCarthy, while Tom Cleverley, Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon providing attacking threat behind Niasse.
2.15pmAs for the visitors, Eddie Howe has made three changes to the side that lost to Chelsea last weekend. Harry Arter and Callum Wilson come into the fold, while Matt Ritchie also returns. Out come Junior Stanislas, Lewis Grabban and Dan Gosling - all of whom drop to the bench.
2.16pmArtur Boruc is handed his usual spot between the sticks, while Simon Francis, Tommy Elphick, Steve Cook and Charlie Daniels line the back for. Arter and Ritchie are joined by Andrew Surman and Marc Pugh in midfield, while Wilson and Joshua King will be Bournemouth's main attacking presence this afternoon.
2.19pmThere's only one place to start, isn't there? That of course is the future of Roberto Martinez. Everything looked rosy in his first season in charge at Everton as he guided them to a fifth-placed finish. In the following campaign, though, they finished 11th and look set to end the current season in the bottom half of the table. The Merseyside outfit are in 11th place after 34 games, six points adrift of Stoke City, who sit above them.
2.22pmPoor results are always a good indication that a manager will lose his job, but the pressure intensifies when their own fans go against them. This is now the case for Martinez, who has been the subject of protest banners over the last few games. As mentioned, Everton have not won any of their last seven games in all competitions. In the Premier League, the Toffees' last win was a 3-1 triumph over already-relegated Aston Villa on March 1. Since then, Martinez's men have recorded four defeats and three draws in the top flight.
2.26pmThe losses came against West Ham United, Arsenal, Manchester United and more recently their Merseyside rivals Liverpool, who frankly humiliated Everton at Anfield. The Toffees' failed to pose a threat in what is deemed a highly-charged encounter and in the end it looked like more of an exhibition match for Liverpool. Everton let in goals from Divock Origi, Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. To make matters worse, they lost Ramiro Funes Mori to a straight red card.
2.29pmEverton aimed to bounce back from that defeat by sealing their place in the FA Cup final, but it wasn't to be. The Merseyside outfit went a goal down to Manchester United at Wembley in the 34th minute of the semi-final, and to add insult to injury, it was their former player Marouane Fellaini who found the back of the net.
2.32pmMartinez and his men were handed a lifeline when Chris Smalling turned the ball into his own net in the 75th minute. The game looked destined for extra time, but it ended in heartbreak for Everton in the third minute of stoppage time when Anthony Martial scored the winner. Nothing seems to be going Everton's way at the moment, hence why this game is crucial.
2.34pmTheir frustrating spell has also included a handful of draws. They recorded three stalemates in a row - two were 1-1 draws against Watford and Southampton, while a match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park ended goalless. Not many people seem to be able to put their finger on the problem at Goodison Park. On paper, Everton have a strong squad with some top talent, including Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley. However, like Leighton Baines recently said, the chemistry is lacking.
2.38pmReports have claimed that the Everton board, including chairman Bill Kenwright and majority shareholder Farhad Mori are meeting this week to discuss Martinez's future. It seems as though, unless the Spaniard can perform a dramatic turnaround, he is likely to be hunting for a new job in the summer.
The man himself, though, is not backing down. Earlier this week he told reporters: "Scrutiny I welcome and accept. I understand it completely. But it shouldn't be scrutiny of the last two or three months. It should be of three seasons, scrutiny about the team we've put together.
"The first season we had a record points tally, last season we were the last team in the British game to be knocked out of Europe, this season we made two semi-finals.
"I'm ready to fight more than ever to find a way to challenge for silverware."
© Getty Images
2.41pmThe facts are, though, that Everton have conceded 29 times at Goodison Park this season, which the third worst in the league - only Bournemouth (33) and Aston Villa (35) have let in more. Also, only Villa have a worse home record this season than Everton. The Toffees have earned just 17 points on their patch.
2.43pmDID YOU KNOW? Barkley has not created an assist in the Premier League in 2016. Also, his only goals this year have come from the penalty spot - both of which were against Newcastle. Romelu Lukaku is the team's leading scorer with 25, but he's experiencing a slump. The Belgian's drought has dragged on for six games in all competitions.
2.45pmRight, let's turn our attention to Bournemouth, shall we? As mentioned, their safety is pretty much secured in the top flight. That's not bad for a side that have experienced the Premier League this season for the first time ever. They were, as expected, towards the bottom three of the standings in the early stages of the campaign, but they have since climbed up the table and currently sit 14th, 10 points off relegation with three games left to play.
2.48pmAs of late, though, they have not had the best results. Their last two league fixtures were against Chelsea and Liverpool. Last weekend, the Blues earned a 4-1 triumph over Eddie Howe's Cherries at the Vitality Stadium. The hosts tried to claw their way back into the game when Tommy Elphick scored in the 36th minute to reduce Chelsea's lead to 2-1, but goals from Willian and a second from Eden Hazard gave Guus Hiddink's side all three points.
2.50pmIn the match prior to that, Bournemouth were defeated at home again by Liverpool, whose much-changed side earned a 2-1 triumph. In their last eight league games, the Cherries have also lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur and 4-0 to Manchester City, but they have acquired some wins as well. The victories came against Southampton, Newcastle United, Swansea City and Aston Villa.
2.53pmHowe's great work with Bournemouth seems to have peaked Everton's interest, if reports are to be believed. The 38-year-old, who was an Everton fan as a boy, has been linked to the job currently held by Martinez. As expected, Howe was asked about the speculation during his weekly press conference.
In response, he told reporters: "I don't think I have to reaffirm my commitment here every week, which seems to be a regular pattern. I love it here and I'm committed to the job.
"When you're a manager yourself you have the full support and understanding of other managers. It's a very difficult profession and you're judged constantly every week on your results, on a lot of aspects of your job. It's very tough at this level."
© Getty Images
2.54pmSo, it looks as though Eddie is staying put! Bournemouth actually have the 10th-best attack stats in the division given that they have scored 42 goals this season, which is the same amount scored by Manchester United. It's not as good at the other end of the pitch, though, as they have the third-worst defence given that they have conceded 61 goals so far. Only Newcastle United and Aston Villa have worse records. The positive side of things for Everton, though, is that they have lost just one of their last seven league games on the road having won three and drawn three.
2.55pmHEAD TO HEAD: These two sides have met six times competitively. Everton have the better record given that they have won four of their five meetings. The last time that these two went up against one another was in November and it ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Vitality Stadium. In that game, Bournemouth had 10 shots on target, which is the most that they have created in a top-flight match.
2.56pmWe're only a few minutes away form kickoff now. Howard will lead Everton out for his final appearance at Goodison Park before returning to MLS in the United States this summer.
2.59pmA lovely gesture from Everton as they stage a one minute's applause to mark the verdict of the recent Hillsborough inquests, which found that the 96 Liverpool fans who died in 1989 were unlawfully killed.
3.00pmTen members of families who lost loved ones in the disaster are in the middle of the pitch, receiving standing ovations from the crowd and both sets of players. A very touching tribute.
1 minKICKOFF! Bournemouth get us underway! Can Everton claim a much-needed win for Martinez, or will the Cherries cause an upset?
2 minIn these early stages, Everton have shown signs of attacking intent. It's a lovely, sunny day in Merseyside. At the moment, there have been no signs of protest from disgruntled Everton fans.
5 minBournemouth are also showing signs as Pugh gets the ball and looks to play it in from the left side of the final third. Besic drops back though and manages to get a tackle in and forces the ball out for a goal kick.
7 minGOAL! EVERTON 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH (CLEVERLEY)
7 minWell, that's the start that Martinez would have wanted! Barkley squares the ball across to Cleverley, who gets past the defender before drilling a left-footed shot into the far post.
9 minGOAL! EVERTON 1-1 BOURNEMOUTH (PUGH)
9 minWow, Bournemouth respond immediately! Everton are complaining after Wilson pushes Pennington, but the referee waves away their claims. The play continues as King gets the ball and aims for goal, but he scuffs the shot and the ball drops to Pugh, who scrambles the ball underneath the keeper to score.
10 minThat was a poor goal to concede from Everton's point of view. It was bundled in by Pugh and it should have been dealt with by the home side's defenders. Credit to Bournemouth, though, they have arrived at Goodison with attacking intent. We're all square!
15 minNot much to report in these last few minutes! Everton have been knocking the ball around in Bournemouth's half, but they are struggling to find a way through. After going a goal up, we have not seen any of the home players test Boruc.
18 minBarkley tries to make things happen with a powerful first-time shot after receiving the ball from Baines, but Elphick does well to get across and block Barkley's effort.
21 minLennon picks the ball and moves to the edge of the penalty area. Instead of going for glory, the winger opts for a pass with the outside of his foot, but it's poor and the ball bobbles to Cook.
22 minBournemouth are getting on top now. They have not yet caused much trouble for Howard, but they are passing the ball better and look the more likely to go into the lead at Goodison.
26 minCleverley unleashes a shot from 25 yards out, but he fails to keep the ball down and the ball ends up in the crowd.
28 minCHANCE! Daniels manages to get away from his marker down the left before passing to Wilson, who then plays in Ritchie. The Bournemouth man fires towards goal, but it gets deflected behind for a corner. The ball is whipped in to find Cook at the back post. The defender gets a slight touch on the ball but headers wide.
31 minEverton get some time on the ball at the other end of the pitch as Baines plays in McCarthy in front of him. The midfielder delivers the ball in for a cross, but it's poor and Bournemouth comfortably clear.
34 minThe home side have a potential scoring opportunity here as Francis gives away a free kick after bringing down Lennon. Cleverley wastes it, though! The midfielder sends the ball into the area, but it's cleared by the first man.
37 minSAVE! Everton's best chance since scoring! After initially blazing the ball over the bar, Barkley is played in by Niasse and has another go. This time, Boruc makes a save by pushing the ball out for a corner, which comes to nothing.
39 minThere has not yet been any dissent from the crowd, but there's not much of an atmosphere either! That mirrors the action on the pitch as we have had just a few chances worth noting.
43 minEverton get a free kick just inside the Bournemouth half after King brings down Baines. It's taken short, which immediately takes the sting out of it.
44 minBaines is on the ball now and he shoots, but it rebounds for a corner. The left back swings it in and finds Niasse, but his shot goes wide.
44 minOh dear, we've seen these before! A plane has just flown over Goodison Park with a banner, which reads: "TIME TO GO ROBERTO"
45 minHALF-TIME: EVERTON 1-1 BOURNEMOUTH
3.49pmReferee Neil Swarbick blows his whistle and the players return to the dressing rooms. After an emotional tribute to the 96 Hillsborough victims and their families, Everton got their perfect start when Tom Cleverley scored in the seventh minute. Two minutes later, though, Marc Pugh equalised for Bournemouth. From that moment, the visitors looked the better side as they moved the ball quicker and slicker. Everton had one or two opportunities towards the end of the half, but they will return for the second half all square. We'll be back shortly!
46 minRESTART! Everton get us back underway at Goodison! Fingers crossed for a more exciting second half!
46 minEVERTON SUB: The home side have made a change in the break. Hibbert comes in to make his first appearance since December 2014. He replaces Besic.
50 minBaines aims a low cross into the area and it's knocked behind close to the near post for a corner by Cook, who hurt himself in the process. Barkley was close to getting a shot away, but he was denied by the Bournemouth defender, who's receiving treatment.
51 minEverton fail to trouble Boruc after the corner is swung in by Baines. The ball eventually falls to Hibbert 40 yards out. The home crowd are chanting for him to shoot, but he doesn't succumb to peer pressure! Elsewhere, Cook has got to his feet and is well enough to continue.
54 minWilson looks to have broken away from Pennington, but the youngster gets back and keeps his opponent away to allow the ball to bobble out for a goal kick.
57 minCHANCE! Bournemouth put Everton under some pressure as King unleashes a shot from range. It's a low effort and just drifts a yard wide of the post.
60 minCHANCE! Another opportunity for the visiting side as Wilson gets in a good position before thumping a shot at goal, which ends up in the side netting.
60 minEVERTON SUB: Lukaku comes onto the pitch, and Everton need him! He replaces Niasse.
62 minBOOKING! Gibson is the first man in the book after bringing down Ritchie in a dangerous area.
62 minRitchie takes the free kick. The Bournemouth man manages to get it over the wall, but the ball falls comfortably into the hands of Howard.
64 minGOAL! EVERTON 2-1 BOURNEMOUTH (BAINES)
64 minEverton take the lead! Just as Bournemouth were getting on top, the home side have dealt them a sucker-punch. Lennon cuts the ball across from the right flank to find Baines, who hammered the ball past Boruc to put the Merseyside outfit back into the lead.
68 minBOURNEMOUTH SUBS: Howe makes a double change as Stanislas and Afobe come on for King and Pugh.
71 minAfobe and Stanislas get involved quickly as the former unleashes a strike, which gets blocked by Everton's defence. Stanislas goes for the follow-up shot, but he's denied. The ball then falls to Ritchie, whose attempt from the edge of the area is blocked.
77 minStanislas and Afobe link up with a one-two before the former tries to curl the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net, but it's too high and he misses the target.
78 minMISS! Oh dear, Afobe should have done much better! Wilson finds the striker with a great ball. He gets a head to it, but the ball scrapes over the bar.
78 minBOURNEMOUTH SUB: That's the end of Wilson's afternoon. He comes off and makes way for Grabban.
83 minHibbert is called upon twice in the space of a minute to deny Stanislas. The first time, he blocks a shot and the second time he nicks the ball off his opponent. The home fans enjoyed seeing that!
85 minIt's all Bournemouth at the minute as they desperately search for an equaliser. Everton will look to see out these last few minutes.
87 minEVERTON SUB: Barkley makes way for teenager Kieran Dowell, who is making his debut. Both players receive standing ovations from the home crowd.
89 minRitchie goes for power as he thumps it low towards the inside of the post, but it drifts just wide by a yard.
90 minThere's four minutes of added time. Can Everton hold on or will there be a dramatic late equaliser? The clock is ticking!
90+2 minBournemouth take a corner short and it ends up in Ritchie's path. He crosses the ball towards Surman, but Stones gets there first and gives away another corner.
90+3 minIt's whipped in by Ritchie and it's a nervy moment for Everton as the ball bobbles around in the box. It's eventually cleared by McCarthy.
90+4 minFULL-TIME: EVERTON 2-1 BOURNEMOUTH
4.56pmSo, there we have it! Everton have ended a run of seven games without a win by sealing a 2-1 triumph over Bournemouth at Goodison Park this afternoon. It was all square after nine minutes when Marc Pugh cancelled out Tom Cleverley's opener, but it was Leighton Baines who became the hero as his 64th-minute strike gave under-fire manager Roberto Martinez all three points. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!
