Everton 1 - 0 Burnley: Instant Reaction

Roberto Martinez's Everton team were able to eke out a 1-0 win in a nervous affair at Goodison Park that should have never been as close as the scoreline indicates.

Everton dominated the first half, though the score after 45 minutes didn't reflect that. The Toffees controlled the match from the kick, and in the tenth minute Aaron Lennon stole the ball and dribbled into the Burnley penalty box and drew a penalty. But instead of Leighton Baines stepping up to take the kick, Ross Barkley approached the spot, where his attempt was promptly saved by Tom Heaton. How this happens after the last penalty-taking debacle is a poor reflection on Roberto Martinez's control over his team.

Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring 20 minutes after the penalty miss when a cross from Seamus Coleman bounced off Arouna Kone, and Mirallas brought it down and put it past Heaton. Ashley Barnes was sent off just before the half when he received a second yellow card, and Burnley would have to play the second 45 minutes down a man.

The home side had ample opportunity to put the match away in the second half, but couldn't manage to put Burnley away. Mirallas, the hero in the first half, looked like a different player in the second, and was lucky not to receive a red card for his challenge on George Boyd. Romelu Lukaku replaced his fellow Belgian not long after that challenge.

Burnley, eager to escape the relegation zone, surged for a late equalizer. Though down to ten men, Sean Dyche's men had a few dangerous attempts at Tim Howard's goal before the final whistle. Four minutes of added time made Everton fans nervous, but the Blues were able to hold on for the victory.

Manchester United come to Goodison Park next Sunday.