Dwight McNeil stunner gives Burnley win to dent Everton European chances

Dwight McNeil scored an extraordinary goal to help Burnley claim a valuable 2-1 win away at Everton.

Everton went into the game as favourites, but Burnley started strong and rattled their opponents with two early goals.

Chris Wood gave them the lead in the 13th minute with a well-taken, arrowed finish from just inside the box.

Then, McNeil scored a spectacular goal 12 minutes later to double the lead. After skipping past Allan, the winger arched the ball into the top far corner with an outstanding finish.

Maintaining their high tempo, Burnley went close to a third moments later. Johann Berg Gudmunsson hit the post with an effort from outside the box.

Everton needed to wake up and they got themselves back in the game when Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed in a cross from Tom Davies to halve the deficit in the 32nd minute.

Calvert-Lewin had another chance with a header, but this time his attempt was off target.

Ben Mee was then on hand to deny a chance for Calvert-Lewin on the ground just before the interval.


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Virginia makes Prem debut

In between those chances, there was concern for Everton at the other end, as Jordan Pickford had to go off with injury. That meant a Premier League debut for goalkeeper Joao Virginia.

Virginia was rarely tested in the second half though, as Everton pushed for an equaliser at the opposite end of the pitch.

A nervous moment arrived for the rookie keeper midway through the half. Virginia was caught in a mix up when trying to punch the ball away, but Burnley could not capitalise despite being in behind him.

Everton then got lucky again when Mee hit the top of the bar with a header.

Ultimately there was no change to the scoreline in the second half. It means Everton missed the chance to rise into fifth place and could be overtaken in sixth depending on Sunday’s results.

Burnley, who do not have another game for three weeks, are now on 33 points. That gives them breathing space of seven points above the relegation zone.