Everton secure 3-1 victory over Burnley at Goodison Park
Everton made a huge comeback, turning the tables after a bland first half, winning 3-1 against Burnley. Burnley were arguably the better side in the first half and even went ahead via Ben Mee in the 53rd minute. Rafa Benitez’s tactical tweak of introducing Andre Gomes did the trick as Goodison exploded into celebrations as the Toffees scored three goals in a space of six minutes.
Rafa Benitez lined up his troops in a 3-4-3 formation with Richarlison leading the attack as Everton were without Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has a quadricep injury and is set to miss at least two to three weeks. Ben Godfrey returned to the lineup meanwhile Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne operated as wing backs. There was no sign of James Rodriguez in the squad which reiterated that he still lacks in match fitness.
The win now takes Everton joint top with 10 points in four games, continuing their unbeaten run this season. Rafa Benitez has definitely won over the fans with such performances and the supporters seem to be extremely delighted with the way he has injected passion and dedication on the pitch.
Here are the Everton player ratings against Burnley:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Jordan Pickford produced some important saves when the score was 0-0. He couldn’t have done much to prevent Chris Wood from scoring. The England keeper was also brought into action in the second half as Dwight McNeil tried to salvage something after being 3-1 down. In total, he made five saves throughout the game.
Michael Keane scored Everton’s equalizer
Defence:
Yerry Mina – 7.5
Yerry Mina had one of the best outings of this season, offering security and solidity as a part of back three. The towering Colombian was key in negotiating aerial threats of Ashley Westwood and Chris Wood. Mina won a total of 8 aerial duels, two interceptions and three recoveries.
Ben Godfrey – 7
Ben Godfrey made his first appearance of the season, forming a back three with Mina and Keane. The supposedly future captain of Everton looked decent on his return. He was taken off in the second half, as Rafa Benitez made a tactical tweak, introducing Andre Gomes in the midfield. The 23 year old dealt well with Burnley’s forwards.
Michael Keane – 8
Michael Keane made a big contribution on the attacking end of the pitch, scoring Everton’s equalizer in the 60th minute. The Englishman was regularly tested by the Burnley attack but he coped well. Back when Everton looked on the back foot, playing passively and trailing 1-0, Keane’s goal really injected life into the team which kick started the comeback.
Abdoulaye Doucoure was the star of the Everton midfield
Midfield:
Seamus Coleman – 7
Seamus Coleman started his 303rd game for Everton and was heavily involved in the opening exchanges. Playing as a wingback, he was often making the runs forward while also dealing with the threat of Dwight McNeil.
The Irishman was far busy carrying out his defensive duties that he didn’t really get a chance to show his attacking side, especially during the first half when the Toffees were passive.
Allan – 7
Allan played the supporting role as he saw Abdoulaye Doucoure take the centre stage. The former Napoli man did struggle in possession but things changed in the second half especially after the injection of Andre Gomes. Allan made seven recoveries and won a total of five duels in the game.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 8.5
Just like Everton, it was a tale of two halves for Doucoure as well. The Frenchman looked sloppy in the first half, gifting possession to Burnley a couple of times in the first half but he turned it around in the second half with an impressive outing. He was smart to play the through ball to Demarai Gray who scored Everton’s third goal.
Doucoure made a total of nine recoveries, the most by any player while also making three important interceptions. The former Watford man was a reservoir of energy, always looking combatant and tireless, also nearly adding the fourth goal before being ruled offside.
Lucas Digne – 7
Lucas Digne enjoyed the advanced role when Everton operated in a 3-4-3 but didn’t make huge inroads in the final third. The Frenchman looked a threat while going forward and was an outlet in the spaces available on the left flank. A steady performance from Digne.
Andros Townsend scored an outrageous goal
Attack –
Richarlison – 7
Richarlison was scythed by Josh Brownhill as the Brazilian seemed to be in pain but he was able to recover and continue. Richarlison was locked with a duel with James Tarkowski and Burnley goalscorer Ben Mee. The Olympic gold medallist didn’t really get a clear cut goal scoring chance but he continued to fight tooth and nail, not giving up and performing his duties.
Andros Townsend – 8.5
Andros Townsend scored a scrumptious left footed strike that gave Everton the lead while also assisting Keane’s goal. Similar to Doucoure, the former Crystal Palace man struggled and looked lost in the first half but turned the tempo in the second half, making a huge impact and helping the Toffees secure three points.
Townsend’s goal could definitely be a contender for the goal of the season. The 30 year old also showcased his excellent crossing abilities, making a total of four crosses.
Demarai Gray – 8
Looked bright from the start, even trying a powerful shot from a distance that was off target. But soon Everton were on the back foot as Burnley started to dominate. However, the tables turned in the second half and Demarai Gray was there to kill off the game, scoring the third goal. His pace was always going to be a big asset for the Merseysiders and it has been evidently clear in the last few games.
The new signing duo of Gray, which cost Everton £1.7 million, are proving to be the biggest bargain of the summer. The former Leicester City man looks to be on a mission to prove himself who now has three goals in four Premier League games.
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