Everton equalizes late with James Tarkowski’s 90th-minute goal against Bournemouth

James Tarkowski has a flair for the theatrical. Everton’s new captain buried a 90th-minute equalizer against Bournemouth on Saturday, turning a frustrating away defeat into a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium. The central defender met a corner with a right-footed strike to rescue a point in Everton’s second Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season.

Bournemouth controlled much of the match. Alex Scott gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, and for nearly 50 minutes after that, it looked like it would be enough.

Tarkowski’s equalizer carries extra significance given the context of his new role. He was appointed Everton’s club captain in August 2026, succeeding the beloved Seamus Coleman. Tarkowski’s response to that pressure? Score a 90th-minute equalizer in his first weeks wearing the armband.

The 33-year-old defender has been a steady presence since arriving at Goodison Park on a free transfer from Burnley in July 2022. He extended his contract in October 2025, a signal of mutual commitment between player and club.

Fans with long memories will recall his 98th-minute equalizer in the Merseyside derby back in February 2025, another moment that felt plucked from a football screenplay. That goal came even deeper into stoppage time than this one, rescuing a point against Liverpool when all seemed lost.

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