Everton keep Europa League hopes alive with routine win over Burnley
Everton kept their slim hopes of Europa League qualification alive with a 2-0 win over Burnley at Goodison Park.
Following their four goal rout of Manchester United in their last home game, Marco Silva’s resurgent Toffees picked up where they left off with a quick-fire first half double against the Lancashire side.
After a bright start, the home side took a deserved lead after just 16 minutes.
Following some fine link up play with Gylfi Sigurdsson on the edge of the penalty area, Playemaker Richarlison took aim with a fierce drive from 20 yards out.
His shot took a big deflection off Burnley defender Ben Mee sending it past the outstretched hand of Tom Heaton into the bottom right hand corner.
The Clarets defender was credited with the goal, leaving him with the unwanted accolade of equaling the record for most Premier League own goals in a season with four.
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Everton doubled their advantage just three minutes later after Tom Heaton failed to judge the movement of Lucas Digne’s long range effort, only managing palm the ball invitingly to the unmarked Seamus Coleman to head in from 6 yards.
Burnley ralied and had the ball in the net just after the half hour mark but Ashley Barnes’ volley was correctly disallowed for offside.
Robbie Brady than sent a header wide as the visitors started to threaten from set-pieces.
Burnley continued to threaten in the second half but rarely troubled Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.
With five wins from their last seven in the league, Everton sit just a point behind seventh placed Wolves.
However, Silva’s side will likely need a win from their final day trip to Spurs as well as hoping the midlanders slip up in both their remaining games.
Sean Dyche’s side secured another season of Premier League safety recently and will be hoping to end the season on a high as they welcome Arsenal to Turf Moor next week.
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