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Eddie Howe reflects on 'unbelievable' late show by Bournemouth, Everton

Paul Childs / Action Images

In what should be the best match of this Premier League weekend, Bournemouth and Everton traded late blows to share the spoils at Dean Court by a 3-3 scoreline.

Related: Stanislas caps crazy finish as Bournemouth rescues a point against Everton

The tie exhausted Bournemouth's youthful manager, Eddie Howe, after a breathless close made Everton's unanswered two goals in the first stanza seem like a distant memory.

"It's unbelievable how football can play with your emotions. To sore in the manner we did at the end was one of the biggest highs I've had in football," Howe gushed post-match, according to BBC Sport.

"An incredible day, though this game is no good for your health! I'll be having an early night tonight."

Adam Smith rifled in a swerving 80th-minute 25-yarder to give hope to the Cherries, and then Junior Stanislas completed the unlikely comeback on 87 minutes when he side-footed into the top corner following a Joshua King cutback.

Then disaster struck for the Cherries, when a ball broke to Ross Barkley in the area and the Scouser turned and struck into the bottom corner. Just 15 seconds of the allotted injury time was remaining when the net bulged.

Much to the derision of Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, the match was allowed to enter its 98th minute by referee Kevin Friend, and Stanislas was the hero for the second time in minutes as he planted a header through the grasp of Tim Howard for a dramatic equaliser.

"The character we showed today was excellent," Howe said. "We've shown our resolve and our willingness to improve, which we will need if we are going to get through this tough season. We are improving week on week. We have to now build on today's result."

The late rally gives the south coast outfit a valuable point - one that will feel like a win for many of the players and the club's support - but they still sit 18th and two points adrift of safety.

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