Burnley vs Everton 2014

          Both these teams came out today feeling a win would be a huge boost. Everton were always going to find things hard with expectations understandably rising after last seasons climb to their highest ever finish in the Premier league. And they certainly have found things hard, with the added pressure of Europa League meaning a packed schedule for Roberto Martinez and his troops. Burnley may have felt there was no better time to play Everton than today, Everton having just come back from a hard fought match against Lille on Thursday evening. But of course it is no secret Burnley have been having many problems of their own in recent times. Sitting second from bottom in the Premier league, and not one win on record this season, does not fill many people with confidence that Burnley are capable of surviving in the top flight.
          The game started as I suppose many people may have predicted. Everton were dominant and it took them just four minutes to take the lead. Eto'o nodded home a Leighton Baines cross and immediately Burnley's game plan was out the window. Despite this early set back, Burnley stood firm, and it may have taken them longer than Sean Dyche will have wanted, but they settled into the game.
          They too played some very neat football and sustained long periods of pressure on the Everton back line, whipping in crosses, and causing all sorts of problems for Jagielka and co. They also had the added boost of Danny Ings back in the starting line up, giving Burnley's attack some much needed pace, as we know Baines and Coleman are no slouches. All of their pressure payed off, and it took a laps of concentration from Lukaku, who gave a very weak pass back to the defence and Ings was played through, rounded the keeper and slotted home. Turf Moor was rocking. Even though it was not of Burnley's own making, you can not deny that they deserved a goal due to their ambition to go forward and attack with real purpose.
          Spirits seemed to have been lifted, but shortly after Everton's quality shone through. Slow build up play and careful passing led to a chance for Lukaku who gleefully obliged and netted, be it rather untidily, to once again give the away side the advantage. A disappointing half time scoreline for Burnley who had worked so hard to get back into the game, but at this level, teams will take their chances, and punish you for missing yours, which is exactly what happened.
          The second half was a totally different story. The atmosphere inside the stadium was rather subdued and the football was, at times, very poor. But Burnley could not see the game out like this. Even though it is still very early on in the season, they need to start picking up points especially at home, and they pressed for the equaliser. It was clear from their play though, that there was a lack of creativity and crosses into the box were easily dealt with.
          Eventually the time came where Burnley had to go for it. Sordell came on for Kightly meaning they now had three strikers on the pitch. But the age old saying applied, quality over quantity. Even with all of them on the pitch, they created nothing, and were wasteful with the ball on the rare occasion they got into good positions. Another problem with this many up top meant a lack of people defending, and Everton took advantage. Five minutes before the end, Eto'o scored the goal of the game. A beautiful curling effort from outside of the box into the top corner past the scrambling Tom Heaton. The result from then on, was in no doubt.
          The winless streak continues for Burnley and I do fear for them this season. They will have to show tremendous character, along with a bit of luck, to avoid the drop. There were glimpses of quality though. If they can keep Ings fit, he certainly looks like he has goals in him, and the signing of Boyd from Hull City was also impressive. As for Everton, Martinez will be happy to get points on the board and the signing of Eto'o will be very valuable this season as he may have lost pace, but still has a lethal shot. A deserved win for Everton, Burnley grind on.