AFC Bournemouth earned their second-successive home Premier League victory with a 1-0 win over Everton - who fell to their first defeat of the season. 

Junior Stanislas scored the only goal of the game with a terrific strike midway through the first half. 

The Cherries appear to have grown in confidence over the last few weeks, helped by the addition of Jack Wilshere, and are now hitting the heights that they surprisingly reached last season. 

Bournemouth take lead in end-to-end first half

The hosts started the game well and were almost ahead after just two minutes. Left-back Charlie Daniels crossed for Callum Wilson but the striker directed his header inches wide of the post. 

The visitors grew into the game and had their first chance when Romelu Lukaku headed straight at Artur Boruc from point-blank range following a well-worked Ross Barkley cross. The Poland goalkeeper's save appeared excellent on first viewing, although further sightings proved that the Belgian international would have certainly expected to score from such close range. 

The lively, end-to-end start almost saw a first Cherries goal for on-loan Arsenal midfielder Wilshere but his deflected strike struck the bar, before Jordon Ibe cut inside from the left moments later but also saw his effort deflected away for a corner. 

Bournemouth's good start was finally rewarded when Stanislas gave them the lead midway through the first half. Irish midfielder Harry Arter found the wide man in space in the right-hand channel before he unleashed a powerful drive that flew into the far corner, past the desperate reach of Marten Stekelenburg. A wonderful goal that Eddie Howe has needed in recent weeks to boost his side's confidence. 

The Bournemouth players celebrate Stanislas' sensational first half strike | Photo: Getty images / Mike Hewitt
The Bournemouth players celebrate Stanislas' sensational first half strike | Photo: Getty images / Mike Hewitt

Koeman changes fail to pay off

The visitors made the substitutions early throughout the second period, with Gareth Barry first to be withdrawn for the eventually ineffective Tom Cleverley. Enner Valencia and Gerard Deulofeu were also introduced in hope that the Toffees could scrape an equaliser, but a goal kept evading them.

One of their substitutes, Valencia, should have had his side level but somehow missed the target with the goal gaping - much to the delight of the home faithful, and the despair of the on-loan West Ham forward and his team-mates. 

The result eases pressure on Howe who has had a difficult start to the season with many predicting a case of 'second-season sysdrome'  for the small South Coast outfit. This victory also puts an end to Everton's excellent start to the season and brings ended up being a return to earth for Ronald Koeman's men. 

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About the author
Sam Smith
VAVEL UK sub-editor. Premier League and Football League accredited journalist.