Everton have beaten Burnley to end their winless run at the Hill Dickinson Stadium – and I want to give Dwight McNeil his flowers.
The Toffees had been winless in six prior to this game, but are finally back to winning ways at home, beating the Clarets 2-0.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton end their Hill Dickinson curse? 🤩
What a performance! 🔥
Everton v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
James Tarkowski rose high in the first-half to head home James Garner’s free-kick.
Everton then found a second in the second-half through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
At times it was a bit frantic. But Everton got the job done, following up the win over Newcastle United and boosting their European football hopes.
And Dwight McNeil – so often maligned – more than justified his selection tonight.
Dwight McNeil can be proud of his performance in win over Burnley
Dwight McNeil playing for Everton.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
A few weeks ago, McNeil almost left Everton after a deal was agreed for him to sign with Crystal Palace.
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But the move fell through, and McNeil stayed put. After a few weeks of no involvement, McNeil was handed a surprise start against Newcastle.
He kept his place against Burnley tonight, leading some to question Moyes.
Dwight McNeil vs Burnley
Minutes played – 86
Touches – 70
Passes completed – 40/51 (78%)
Key passes – 1
Duels contested – 9
Defensive contributions – 3
But there can be no denying he had a great game tonight.
McNeil was a little loose on the ball at times against Newcastle, but he was much sharper tonight with Burnley players struggling to dispossess him.
His ball retention and protection was good, but so was his work-rate. I was struck by how much running McNeil got through, and you could tell the crowd appreciated it.
It was he who won the free-kick that was taken by Garner for Tarkowski to head in.
What impressed you most about that win against Burnley? 👏
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse.
And McNeil then just grew and grew into the game, and it was great to see him being impactful. It’s clear that what happened with Palace has not had lasting damage.
He was then involved in the second goal, working the ball across the pitch to Iliman Ndiaye who then found Dewsbury-Hall for the finish.
He was taken off in the 86th minute and given a deserved standing ovation.
McNeil clearly still has a part to play
It was again a surprise to see McNeil starting against Burnley.
Given the quick turnaround, he might have been rotated. But Moyes stuck with him, and he’ll be glad that he did.
McNeil hasn’t had a great season but there was no denying how good this performance was – and it seems Moyes will be calling on him more moving forward.
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