Everton escaped relegation with a 1-0 victory over Burnley thanks to Arijanet Muric’s mistake.

Vincent Kompany’s men were responsible for their defeat. Muric’s clearance went in off Calvert Lewin, before Dara O’Shea was sent off on 67 minutes after a professional foul was committed on Dwight McNeil when he was caught with possession.

Everton won a game they will not remember for a long time, but it was incredibly important and their first Premier League win in 14 games.

Everton are now four points above the relegation zones, although a second point deduction could be imposed this week if the result of the enquiry is not satisfactory. Burnley is six points away from safety.

How Muric’s gift made a difference

Calvert Lewin was reinstated to the team, after his late equaliser in midweek at Everton ended his six-month-long wait for a score with the goal at Newcastle. It was he who provided the only moment that was noteworthy from a disastrous first half of the football.

Muric, perhaps bored with the lack action, delayed far too much from Maxime Esteve’s backpass. Calvert Lewin made enough progress to be able charge down the clearance, and reap the maximum reward, as the ball struck him and looped in the unguarded goal.

Calvert-Lewin nudged O’Shea following the break, and forced Muric into a save with his outstretched leg at his near post. Lorenz Assignon gave away possession.

Everton began to dominate Burnley and Abdoulaye Doucoure smashed Ashley Young’s cross in an attempt to show more intent.

Burnley then produced yet more self-sabotage, as O’Shea had to be sent for a bath early.

Burnley’s defender’s lack of control allowed McNeil to enter. O’Shea, in an attempt to correct the situation, lunged into the play and referee Michael Oliver immediately issued a red card.

Everton’s 14th league match without a victory, dating back to 1937, was prevented by a single goal.

Now, the focus is on the report of a second independent panel that investigated breaches in profitability and sustainability.

Dyche: A ugly win

Everton boss Sean Dyche Speaking to Sky Sports:

“An ugly but valid win. It doesn’t need to be a glorious victory to get back on track. Today we found another way to win. Dom has now scored two goals in two games. It’s important for the mentality of our home supporters. We were able to finish the game despite it being a difficult one.

“The conditions today were difficult for both sides but they only had a single shot on target. That’s a positive sign.”

“With the six back on, we would have 35 points after seven games.” The story is we lost points. We’ll see. The first [deduction] It was a puzzle but this time there could be more to it and we don’t receive anything. “All I can do it manage the manageables.”

Kompany questions red-card decision

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany:

“It’s an ongoing trend where we’re able to hold our own in matches. We’ve been the superior team in the last six matches.” Our problem is that when we gain momentum, we aren’t able to reward ourselves.

“We are where are are because of a goalkeeping mistake or another player’s error before that. These key moments cost us. It’s been a shared burden – we’ve all had injuries and bad decisions. The message to keep going is to keep moving. “We played well, but we need to take advantage of our chances.”

Kompany replied: “What’s written in the law?” When asked about O’Shea’s ejection, he said: He should be denying the opportunity to score. You must have some control over the ball to have a goal scoring opportunity. Just look at the images and decide for yourself.”

Analysis: Branthwaite demonstrates his worth while others are frozen

Sky Sports Lewis Jones

Jarrad Branthwaite saved Everton from the bleakness of Burnley.

He was a star at the centre of Sean Dyche’s defence. Branthwaite remained cool and collected when his partner, James Tarkowski at the back was making silly mistakes on the pitch.

Burnley had moments when their zippy forward players caused problems. But Branthwaite was the one to shut them down, before entering his own house.

Burnley made 110 passes and 54 entries in Everton’s third-last area.

Yet, they had only six shots in the game and only one was on target. Jordan Pickford was watching Branthwaite knock Burnley’s attacking players aside. He made some crucial interventions in key moments. He reads games like a special footballer. Everton are in possession of a rare gem.

Calvert-Lewin’s form is a good indicator of Opta stats

• Calvert Lewin has scored for Everton consecutively in the Premier League for the first since September.
• Calvert Lewin has scored four Premier League goal in his six last appearances against Burnley. His only other goals in the competition were against Newcastle United (6), and Crystal Palace (five).
• Burnley has received seven red cards in the Premier League this season, which is the most since Aston Villa in 2014-15 and Newcastle in 2015 (both 7). O’Shea has been their seventh different player in the league in this season. Only Sunderland (both in 2009-10 and 1994-95, both 8) had more different players dismissed in a Premier League season.

What’s next?

Monday 15th April 6:30pm


Kick off is 8:00pm

Everton On April 15, the team will travel to Chelsea Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the Premier League. Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.

Burnley Play again on Saturday when they take on Brighton Turf Moor, kick-off at 3pm.