Everton’s hopes of turning Hill Dickinson Stadium into a fortress like the old Goodison Park suffered another setback as they fell 2-1 to Bournemouth at home.
The Toffees had taken the lead through Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half penalty, a moment that briefly sparked talk among fans of a push for European places, with victory set to move them up to sixth.
But the game slipped from their grasp after the break. Thierno Barry missed two gilt-edged chances from close range, and Everton were punished during a disastrous eight-minute spell.
They conceded twice and were reduced to ten men when Jake O’Brien was sent off.
Bournemouth’s £25 million January signing Rayan, who had earlier given away the penalty, made amends by scoring his second goal in as many starts.
Amine Adli then added another with an unchallenged header to complete the turnaround, much to the frustration of manager David Moyes.
The defeat continues Everton’s poor home run, with just one victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium since November 8.
They have now lost five home matches, winning only four, a record that leaves their European ambitions looking unlikely.
Rather than closing in on rivals Liverpool, Everton now find themselves glancing nervously down the table, with Bournemouth, Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham all within touching distance.
