Calvert-Lewin goal not enough as Nick Pope denies Everton victory

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton celeb

Everton failed to make their substantial pressure count after being held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at (happy place) Turf Moor, who remain stuck in the Premier League relegation zone.

The Clarets started brightly and had the lead with just three minutes on the clock. The goal came from Robbie Brady, who picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and drilled a low shot into the corner of Jordan Pickford’s net.

It is the fifth time this season the England No 1 has conceded a goal from outside the area, and the second time in two games.

The visitors were far from convincing at the back, but they almost levelled 10 minutes later. The chance was created by Alex Iwobi after his cross was met by an outstretching Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England man was denied though by the returning Nick Pope, who made a fine reaction save with his knees.

Matt Lowton was then caught out by a long cross-field ball, which allowed Richarlison to burst into the box. But the Brazilian was forced on to his left foot and his strike from a narrow angle was easily saved by Pope.

In an end-to-end start, Josh Brownhill was not far from finding the target after wriggling free from Abdoulaye Doucoure. His shot from the edge of the box just missed Pickford’s right post.

Pope’s goal-kick then caused havoc for the Everton defence. Chris Wood’s one-two with Dwight McNeil led to the New Zealander going clean through on goal. Pickford, however, reacted quickly and made an excellent low save.

There was a short stoppage as Brownhill needed treatment after the side of his head caught Gomes’ trailing elbow when the pair went for a 50-50 ball. Thankfully, the Burnley midfielder returned to the field after treatment.

Everton though were level moments before the break. Burnley’s appeals for a foul on Westwood by Allan fell on deaf ears and the Brazilian found Richarlison. His first-time cross was turned in by Calvert-Lewin.

Everton on top in second half

The Toffees then made a bright start to the second half when both Richarlison and Andre Gomes saw goal-bound efforts blocked.

James Rodriguez then tried his luck from outside the area, but was denied by a fine finger-tip save by Pope.

Brownhill deflected a Richarlison ball on to the roof of the net as Everton managed to keep Burnley on the back foot, although the home side were able to soak up a sustained spell of pressure from their opponents.

Everton were certainly have the better of it but were finding it hard to break through Burnley’s stubborn rearguard.

And it was Burnley who were close to winning it when Pickford made a great reaction save to keep out Wood‘s header.

Everton still carved out another chance and Pope used his feet to great effect to keep out Gylfi Sigurdsson’s effort. The chance was created after a lovely threaded throughball from Rodriguez.

The result means Everton now have just one win from their last seven games. It’s a disappointing dip in form after their excellent start to the season saw them top the table in September.

READ MORE: Everton tracking Championship sensation ahead of January bid