TAKE YOUR PICK!
Gareth’s No 1 hits top form to see off Pope
THE Premier League: a division of transition. Increasingly so, too, with space now at such a premium in games such as this. Those who turn over ball with greater gusto and more effectively generally win. It is why Burnley are confident they will avoid the drop and despite a wobble, Everton should have enough to secure European qualifica tion under Carlo Ancelotti.
Their central areas are usually powerful and that ought to prove pivotal in a season where countering is the most proficient form of attacking.
That was certainly the case at Turf Moor, where both s i des defended admirably and their goalkeepers stood tall. The watching England manager Gareth Southgate will take positives from the performances of Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford, who each made made several eye-catching saves.
A point will encourage Burnley boss Sean Dyche on his 200th game as a top-flight manager and also Ancelotti. ‘We had problems on the counter attack and that is normal here,’ the Everton manager said. ‘The performance was quite good.’
Everton were shellshocked in the third minute. Allan’s attempt at moving possession quickly in his own third fell down, Abdoulaye Doucoure was left with too much to do and Ashley Westwood nipped in to steal. Robbie Brady suddenly had space 25 yards from goal, shifting on to his right foot and skidding a shot past Pickford.
That was the fifth time the England No 1 had conceded from outside the area this season — more than anyone else — but the blame lay with those in front of him. He had the support of his manager, who was delighted with his performance. ‘Jordan did really well today, with two or three really good saves,’ said Ancelotti. ‘He’s showing that he has more confidence. For this reason, he’s showing his great quality.’
Pope, the man challenging Pickford for the England jersey in next summer’s European Championship, made a number of confident stops as Burnley were pegged back. For all of Everton’s difficulties in recent weeks, they still have quality going forward and deserved t heir equaliser moments before the break.
Allan eased Westwood off the ball inside the Burnley half and, as Matthew Lowton left his station to close the space, the Brazilian slipped in compatriot Richarlison. Dominic Calvert-Lewin darted across his marker to score a scrambled 11th league goal of the season. Dyche was furious that Westwood had not been given a free kick, complaining: ‘Another decision goes against us. For some players that’s a foul, others not. I ask our players not to squeal or dive and it’s costing us.
‘Other teams always get that foul. There was contact. Low-level contact on his shoulder, knee and foot, he went over. Too many times we’ve not been given those moments.’ Pope had earlier stood up superbly to deny CalvertLewin from a similar situation, while Pickford raced out to deny Chris Wood. Pope then flung out a right hand to divert James Rodriguez’s shot wide and Calvert- Lewin was l eft ruing the decision-making of the Burnley keeper, who timed coming off his line to perfection when Everton’s top scorer was clear. Pickford completed a topclass save to push Wood’s header away and, in the final minute, substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson sauntered on to Rodriguez’s deft through ball, only to find Pope in the way again. ‘Southgate has to be really pleased to have these two goalkeepers,’ Ancelotti smiled.