Bournemouth scored three fine goals as they cruised to a 3-0 win against Everton in the opening game of the Premier League Summer Series.
In hot and humid conditions at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – where, in a year and a week, the World Cup final will be held – the Premier League sides played out an entertaining encounter.
Everton had the better of the first half, but failed to take their chances. Illiman Ndiaye, Carlos Alcaraz and Beto all looked bright going forward, with the latter seeing a late effort well-blocked by new Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
But they dropped off in the second half, with Bournemouth scoring some wonderful goal in the process. Billing, who had spent last season on loan at Napoli, had been on the pitch for ten minutes when he opened the scoring.
He played a nice one-two with Hamed Traore, and took a few strides across the top of the area before the space opened up for him to lash an effort through, arrowing past Jordan Pickford.
Five minutes later, and Dango Ouattara scored from the most impossible of angles. He was played through by Evanilson before standing up against Nathan Patterson. The Everton defender had a brief moment on the loose ball but it was always Ouattara, who won the foot race before firing into the top of the net.
By now Bournemouth were comfortable, but Everton made a rod for their own back for the third. It was a poor pass from Jake O’Brien that missed Pickford completely and 20-year-old Daniel Adu-Adjei was lurking in the right place, taking advantage to slot home.
Everton never found a response, although they were without three centre halves, including James Tarkowski and Michael Keane. They had nine subs to choose from compared to Bournemouth’s 14, with the Cherries changing their entire team during the second half.
Andoni Iraola’s side go top of the Premier League Summer Series table, with Man Utd and West Ham playing on Sunday morning.
Premier League Summer Series fixtures and schedule
Saturday July 26 – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Everton 0-3 Bournemouth
Sunday July 27 – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Manchester United vs West Ham – 12am kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Wednesday July 30 – Soldier Field, Chicago
West Ham vs Everton – 11.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Thursday July 31 – Soldier Field, Chicago
Manchester United vs Bournemouth – 2.30am kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Sunday August 3 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Bournemouth vs West Ham – 7pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Manchester United vs Everton – 10pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports