Many expected the Bournemouth Everton clash on the south coast to be a close affair, but a 3-0 win for Bournemouth ensured that this wasn't the case as Gary O'Neil's side excelled in what could be his last match in charge.
With only a space between them in the table, the first 15 minutes were very telling. Waves of possession was shared by both sides, but it was Bournemouth who broke the deadlock.
Jordan Pickford dropped a shot from Dominic Solanke kindly into the path of Marcus Tavernier who poked home into an empty net.
The lead set the tone.
Bournemouth began to look threatening on the attack, runs from Tavernier and Solanke began to open Everton up.
Not long later the first goal, the second came.
A ball into the box by Zemura saw Everton fail to clear; Kieffer Moore crashed in a header from five yards to double the Cherries lead.
The Toffees struggled for movement and opportunities – Bournemouth were proving to be a frustrating test.
The second half saw Everton bring more urgency, a driving run from Onana early on created more for Everton than what their first half had to offer; though nothing came of it.
Some great play from Zemura almost set up Solanke for Bournemouth’s third but it was hit agonisingly wide.
Bournemouth continued to push for their third and eventually prevailed with substitute Jaidon Anthony.
A Lewis Cook free kick from the left was delivered towards the back stick where Jaidon Anthony was isolated and able to cleanly head home.
The game stretched for Everton as they were caught on the break more often – the Cherries grew in confidence.
Attacking substitutes in the shape of Anthony Gordan and Tom Cannon brought energy but no more quality than what was already on show.
Bournemouth thought they had a fourth when Solanke put the ball in the net only to be called for offside.
The jubilant Cherry fans helped see off the game and brought a sense of optimism which had recently gone a miss on the south coast.
Bournemouth secured their 3-0 victory and the win puts Bournemouth on 16 points, 13th in the league.