Burnley 1-3 Everton: Player Ratings

Tim Howard: 6

The American didn’t have many shots to save but dealt well with the barrage of crosses and corners that were put in, especially considering the wind. There wasn’t much he could have done about Burnley’s goal – Danny Ings showed great composure when put through on goal to delay his shot and go past Howard.

Seamus Coleman: 7

Was quiet in the first half but defended excellently in the second the few times Burnley had us under pressure. The second half was also when Coleman grew into the game going forward beating his Ireland teammate Stephen Ward on a couple of occasions.

Phil Jagielka: 7

Jagielka defended well throughout the game; particularly in the early stages of the second half when Burnley were pushing for the equaliser.

Antolin Alcaraz: 6

Alcaraz defended well but provided one or two nervy moments under pressure; other than that had a decent game.

Leighton Baines: 8

One of the best players on the pitch. Baines was an excellent option with the ball – either taking on his marker or keeping possession. Defensively he was up against George Boyd and Kieran Trippier – both dangerous options for Burnley but they didn’t play much of a part in the game largely because of Baines.

James McCarthy: 8

McCarthy was back to his energetic best, chasing down everything that came his way and also a key component in Everton’s retaining of possession.

Gareth Barry: 8

Alongside McCarthy, Barry provided the stalwart shield in front of the defence that we became accustomed to last season.

Steven Naismith: 7

Another good game from Naismith. Used his quick feet throughout the game, when in possession to bypass his marker or provide the ball for teammates. The Scot was pivotal in the second Everton goal and that was the case in most of the Toffees’ attacks.

Samuel Eto’o: 8

You wouldn’t have guessed the Cameroonian was 33 years old after completing 90 minutes both Thursday and this afternoon and looking as sharp as he did the first minute against Lille as he did in the 90^th today.

Leon Osman: 6

Osman was quiet for most of the game but kept the ball well and helped in constructing some of the Everton attacks.

Romelu Lukaku: 7

Lukaku atoned for his error that led to the Burnley goal with his fourth goal of the season. The Belgian needs to improve his first touch because if he does the Toffees will be able to maximise their dominant spells in games.

Substitutes

Ross Barkley (Romelu Lukaku 63’): 6

The youngster was fairly quiet for the half an hour or so that he was on the field but by the time he was brought on, Everton didn’t have to push hard for another goal.

Steven Pienaar (Leon Osman 82’): 5

The South African didn’t really have enough time to have much of an impact on the game.

Man of the Match: Samuel Eto’o

The movement for the first goal and bullet header as well as the expert finish for his second and the experienced anticipation in pouncing on a tired back pass almost getting his hat-trick shows how much of a bargain asset he has become. Either Baines, McCarthy or Barry could have been given the man of the match but how could I have taken it away from someone who scored twice?