Everton end home woes with win over Burnley, boost European hopes

The Blues moved within three points of sixth-placed Chelsea after overcoming a Clarets side struggling at the foot of the Premier League.

The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when defender James Tarkowski powered home a header from James Garner's in-swinging free-kick, marking his first goal since last February. The England centre-back, scoring against his former club, cupped his ears to the away end in celebration, setting the tone for the home side's performance.

Everton dominated the first half and nearly doubled the lead in stoppage time when Jarrad Branthwaite's header from another Garner delivery was expertly saved by Martin Dubravka. The Blues continued their pressure after the interval, with Iliman Ndiaye's clever pass finding Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who dinked the ball over Dubravka to make it 2-0 on the hour mark. It was Dewsbury-Hall's sixth Premier League goal of the season, making him Everton's joint top scorer.

Burnley struggled to respond and managed their first shot on target in the 79th minute. The Clarets were missing key striker Zian Flemming due to injury, and their defensive frailties were again exposed, with the team now having conceded 58 goals - the most in the league. The frustration of Burnley's fans boiled over late on as chants of "You don't know what you're doing" rang out after manager Scott Parker substituted Hannibal Mejbri with Josh Laurent.

Everton came close to adding a third when Idrissa Gueye's 20-yard curling effort struck the crossbar, and Jordan Pickford made a crucial reaction save from Lyle Foster in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.

For manager David Moyes, the win represented a breakthrough at their new home, Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton had taken just five points from the previous 24 available. It was also the Blues' first victory against a promoted side this season. With Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City still to visit, Everton's home form will be vital in maintaining their push for a European spot.

Burnley, meanwhile, remain eight points adrift of safety with nine games left, and their return to the Championship appears increasingly likely.