Everton vs Burnley. Premier League.
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Report and free match highlights as Burnley gift Everton the points with big mistakes from Arijanet Muric and Dara O'Shea, who was sent off for a professional foul
Saturday 6 April 2024 21:35, UK
Arijanet Muric's howler gifted Dominic Calvert-Lewin the winning goal as Everton edged clear of relegation danger with a 1-0 win over Burnley.
Vincent Kompany's men were the architects of their downfall with Muric's clearance going in off Calvert-Lewin before Dara O'Shea was dismissed on 67 minutes for a professional foul on Dwight McNeil after he was caught in possession.
It wasn't a game that will live long in the memory as Everton ground out the win but nonetheless it was an important one and their first in 14 Premier League matches.
The victory lifts Everton four points clear of the relegation zone, although the threat of another points deduction is looming with the results of that enquiry set to be heard this week. Meanwhile, Burnley are six points from safety.
Calvert-Lewin was restored to the team after his late leveller at Everton in midweek ended his six-month wait for a goal with the equaliser at Newcastle - and it was he that provided the only moment of note from a dire first half of football.
Muric, perhaps bored of the lack of action coming his way, delayed far too long from Maxime Esteve's backpass and Calvert-Lewin made enough ground to be able to charge down the clearance with maximum reward as the ball hit him and looped into the unguarded net.
Calvert-Lewin nutmegged O'Shea after the break and forced Muric to save with an outstretched foot at his near post after Lorenz Assignon had given away possession.
Everton were starting to overpower Burnley across the pitch and Abdoulaye Doucoure headed over Ashley Young's cross to signal more intent.
Burnley then produced more self-sabotage as O'Shea was sent for an early bath.
The Burnley defender's poor control allowed McNeil in and in trying to rectify the situation O'Shea lunged in and referee Michael Oliver immediately brandished a red card for a professional foul.
One goal was enough to prevent Everton equalling of a club-record 14 league matches without a win dating back to 1937.
Attention now turns to the outcome of a second independent commission into profitability and sustainability breaches.
Everton boss Sean Dyche speaking to Sky Sports:
"An ugly win, but a valid one. Getting back to winning ways can come in many different fashions, it doesn't have to be glorious. Today we found a different way to win. It's an ugly type of goal but Dom is now two in two. It's an important win for the mentality for our home fans. It was an awkward game but we saw it out properly.
"The conditions were difficult for both teams today but they only had one shot on target - that's a good sign.
"With the six points back on we'd have 35 points with seven to play. The story is that we had points taken away. We'll have to wait and see. The first [deduction] was a head scratcher but there might be more to it this time and we don't get anything. All I can do is manage the manageables."
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany:
"It's a trend of holding our own in matches - in the last six matches we've been the better team. Our problem is when we have momentum we're not able to reward ourselves with points.
"We are where we are for a reason whether it's a goalkeeping error or another error from a player before that - these key moments cost us. It's always been a shared responsibility - we've had injuries, decisions going against us. The message is to keep going. We played well but we need to take our chances."
Asked about O'Shea's red card, Kompany said: "What's the letter of the law? He needs to be denying a goalscoring opportunity. To have a goalscoring opportunity you need to have some control of the ball. Just watch the images and make your own mind up."
Sky Sports' Lewis Jones:
Out of the bleakness that was Everton vs Burnley, thank the stars for Jarrad Branthwaite.
He sparkled at the heart of Sean Dyche's defence. While his partner at the back, James Tarkowski, was being caught out of position and making silly fouls across the pitch, Branthwaite was coolness personified when those around him were overcome with nerves on a big occasion down at the bottom.
Burnley had their moments with their zippy front players causing problems but it was Branthwaite that was there to shut them down before entering his house.
Burnley had 54 entries into Everton's final third and made 110 passes in that particular area of the pitch.
Yet, they only had six shots in the match and just one on target. Jordan Pickford was a bystander as Branthwaite swatted Burnley attackers aside making some crucial interventions at key moments. He reads the game like a special footballer. Everton have a gem on their hands.
Everton return to Premier League action on April 15 as they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday Night Football live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.
Burnley play again on Saturday as they take on Brighton at Turf Moor; kick-off 3pm.
