Dominic Calvert-Lewin grabbed his second goal in as many matches to help Everton secure a crucial 1-0 Premier League victory over Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
The decisive goal came on the stroke of half-time when Everton's No.9 charged down an attempted clearance from Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, the ball then rebounded into the Park End net, ultimately helping bring an end to the Blues' 13-game winless run in the league.
André Gomes, Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to the starting XI for the contest as Sean Dyche made four changes from the side that started against Newcastle United in midweek.
Despite the bright sunny conditions at Goodison Park, it was a tentative start made by both sides. The Toffees looked lively in parts, and put some good early pressure on the Burnley backline, but they weren't able to convert that into tangible efforts on goal.
Just past the half-hour mark, the visitors went close for the first time when Jacob Bruun Larsen curled a free-kick from just towards the left side of the Everton penalty area that whisked over Jordan Pickford's crossbar.
Burnely then went close again when David Datro Fofana broke free to meet a corner, but thankfully his headed effort was straight into Pickford's arms.
As a half-to-forget approached the break, Goodison exploded into life as Calvert-Lewin put Everton 1-0 ahead.
In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Arijanet Muric dawdled in possession as Burnley looked to build out from the back. His delay allowed the onrushing Calvert-Lewin to block the eventual pass that the goalkeeper attempted to drill through the middle of the pitch.
The ball rebounded off Everton's No.9 and looped into the net, handing Dyche's men a timely boost at a crucial period in the contest.
With their goal advantage, Everton looked more assured at the beginning of the second half and nearly doubled their lead through Calvert-Lewin who was becoming a real thorn in the side of the visitors.
Midway inside the Burnley half, defender Lorenz Assignon attempted a square pass but played it straight to the alert forward. He dribbled into the box before knocking the ball between Dara O'Shea's legs and then smashing a low strike that was superbly stopped by the feet of Muric at close range.
The Blues really started to turn the screw in the second half with Gomes a driving factor behind that, the Portuguese midfielder was finding pockets all over the pitch and moving the ball around superbly.
Everton's prospects of success were hugely boosted with 25 minutes remaining as more hard work off the ball was rewarded. This time, it was McNeil piling the pressure on, he nipped in ahead O'Shea who took a heavy touch on the halfway. The Burnley defender lunged wildly to try and recover, bringing the Everton winger to the floor.
Referee Michael Oliver blew immediately for the free-kick and showed the Republic of Ireland international a straight red card.
The Toffees nearly made their one-man advantage count in the 72nd minute when more good forward play from Calvert-Lewin saw him dribble from wide right all the way into the Burnley box, however, his powerful shot flew wide of Muric's right post.
10 minutes later, Dyche made a double change to add fresh legs to the side as Jack Harrison and Beto came on to replace Young and goalscorer Calvert-Lewin.
Despite some late pressure from the visitors, Everton's defence stood tall to claim a priceless three points.
Everton FC
