Royal Blue Mersey - Everton v Burnley Premier League Matchday 33It's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2015-04-19T20:05:52+01:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/82129602015-04-19T20:05:52+01:002015-04-19T20:05:52+01:00Everton 1-0 Burnley - Five Thoughts
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<p>Mirallas, Lennon and the mystery of penalties</p> <h4>Yet another penalty farce</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Roberto Martinez</span> needs to get a grip on the penalty situation as it is now bordering on farcical. At best it is simply the mild chaos caused by weak leadership, at worst it reflects a lack of discipline and players thinking for themselves instead of the team. The choice of penalty taker appears to be some weird case of "scorer stays on", unless the most recent scorer – on this occasion <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> – is on the bench, in which case it’s a penalty free-for-all like we saw on Saturday. I can’t believe <span>Leighton Baines</span> has totally lost confidence in his abilities after one miss from 16 attempts, so its time he stood up for himself a bit more. He is one of the more quieter members of the group but if his manager isn’t going to stand up for him he should speak up for himself and demand responsibility at spot kicks, before it costs us dear.</p>
<h4>Mirallas' future needs to be sorted</h4>
<p><span>Kevin Mirallas</span> has perked up in recent days, declaring his desire to finish the season on a high and insisting he is happy to stay at <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a>. He didn’t say he definitely wasn’t leaving though, in that ambiguous I-will-go-if-I-get-the-right-offer kind of way, so don’t count on him being in a blue shirt come September 1. He showed glimpses of what he is capable of on Saturday, particularly in the first half. He was also lucky to stay on the pitch after a ugly rake of his studs down <span>George Boyd</span>’s shin after the break. He remains a complex character who we need to keep and that Roberto Martinez needs to get the best out of.</p>
<h4><span>Lennon pushing for permanent move</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">If Mirallas’ recent behaviour has got the supporters’ backs up, <span>Aaron Lennon</span>’s attitude and performance has been the polar opposite. Everyone loves a guy who runs around a lot and the diminutive winger’s energy is certainly infectious. The allegation levelled against him in the past is his lack of end product, but on Saturday looked a genuine threat. He ran at the heart of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a> defence to win the early penalty and also set up <span>James McCarthy</span> for the best chance of the second half. He’s building a genuine case for a permanent transfer.</p>
<h4>Kone continues to struggle</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kone is an honest hardworking player but his recent displays in the absence of Lukaku suggest he simply isn’t good enough at this level. I thought he did a decent job at Wigan and was ready to give him a chance when he made the move to Goodison. His early performances were woeful, however, something perhaps forgotten in the 14 months he spent on the sidelines with a serious knee injury. That injury seems to have taken its toll as he has looked off the pace despite having a regular run on the side in recent weeks. Lukaku is by far and away our number one striker but decent back-up is needed to take the pressure of the 21-year-old Belgian. From what we’ve seen of Kone, it looks like he doesn’t measure up to that brief</p>
<h4>Is the recovery real?</h4>
<p>After harbouring genuine fears of a relegation battle at the start of March Everton have suddenly gone on their best run of the season to drag the top 10 within sight again. Four wins from five have also helped the Toffees pierce that ‘magical’ 40 point, though in reality Premier League safety is often achieved with less. The bizarre thing is that they don’t seem to be playing much better than earlier in the season. Throughout the campaign they have played well in short bursts but have haven’t been able to sustain it over the 90 minutes. What’s perhaps key over their recent run is the fact they have scored first each time, while the form of <span>Phil Jagielka</span>, <span>John Stones</span> and (dare I say it) <span>Gareth Barry</span> means we look much more likely to keep it tight at the back than we did earlier in the campaign.</p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/4/19/8453369/everton-burnley-premier-league-five-thoughts-kevin-mirallas-aaron-lennonTom Mallows2015-04-18T16:55:39+01:002015-04-18T16:55:39+01:00Everton 1 - 0 Burnley: Instant Reaction
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<p>Blues dispose of a desperate Burnley side who are facing relegation.</p> <p>Roberto Martinez's <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a> 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.</p>
<p>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 <span>Aaron Lennon</span> stole the ball and dribbled into the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a> penalty box and drew a penalty. But instead of <span>Leighton Baines</span> stepping up to take the kick, <span>Ross Barkley</span> 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.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Mirallas</span> opened the scoring 20 minutes after the penalty miss when a cross from <span>Seamus Coleman</span> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> come to Goodison Park next Sunday.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/4/18/8449367/everton-burnley-premier-league-2015-final-match-report-instant-reactionSean Yancy2015-04-17T17:24:00+01:002015-04-17T17:24:00+01:00Everton v Burnley Premier League Preview
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<p>Without much left to play for, Roberto Martinez will have to make sure the Blues aren't caught out by the relegation threatened Clarets... </p> <p><b>Where: </b>Goodison Park, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a></p>
<p><b>When: </b>15:00 BST, Saturday 17th April</p>
<p><b>Referee: </b>Mike Jones</p>
<h3>Team News</h3>
<p><span>Romelu Lukaku</span> is set to return to the side after his hamstring problem, meaning the Toffees won't be stuck with Arouna Kone up top. However, <span>Bryan Oviedo</span>, <span>Aiden McGeady</span>, and <span>Leon Osman</span> are all doubts despite the former two returning to training this week. <span>Darron Gibson</span> and <span>Tony Hibbert</span> look likely to miss the rest of the season.</p>
<h3>The Opposition</h3>
<p>Meanwhile <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc">Burnley</a> are at full strength except for long term absentees <span>Dean Marney</span> and Kevin Long. They will also be very fired up for this game, knowing their relegation rivals have hit form recently. QPR and Leicester have shown better performances lately, while the Clarets haven't won since their great victory over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> on March 14. However, since then they have drawn with Tottenham and only lost 1-0 to the in form <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>, so the Blues will need to be wary.</p>
<h3>What To Watch For</h3>
<p>Hopefully with the return of Lukaku some semblance of attacking play will return, as both against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city">Swansea City</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> we were lucky to score. While Steven Naismith works hard, he isn't great as a lone striker and the less said about the fortunes of Kone the better.</p>
<p>What we have been doing well recently is defend. With the return of <span>John Stones</span>, <span>Phil Jagielka</span> has looked far more assured at the back and as a result we have only conceded twice since that terrible night in Kiev. They should be able to continue this run, with Burnley main man <span>Danny Ings</span> having not scored in his last seven games.</p>
<p>However, the most important thing the players will need to show this weekend is desire. The game is a sell out, which is incredible when you consider how unimportant it is to us and the disappointment of the campaign so far. The fans who come will want to see 100% effort from a team that is now safe from relegation but unable to challenge for the European places.</p>
<h3>The Final Word</h3>
<p>While manager Sean Dyche will make sure the Turf Moor outfit run their hearts out on Saturday, the gulf in quality will surely be too much for Burnley. This may be sad as they are a much more likable team than QPR or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Leicester City</a>, but the Toffees should beat them 2-0 in the end and push their opposition towards relegation.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/4/17/8444057/everton-v-burnley-premier-league-previewMax_Miller2015-04-17T15:00:02+01:002015-04-17T15:00:02+01:00Everton v. Burnley: Gamethread / How to Watch
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<p>The Blues are back home at Goodison this weekend; taking on Burnley.</p> <p><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Everton's</a> season continues to wind down this weekend as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" target="_blank">Burnley</a> come to town. This will be the second time that Roberto Martinez's men will take on the Ginger Mourinho and his gang of Clarets. Everton won their last match 3-1 at Turf Moor on October 26<sup>th</sup>. This time, expect to see a more desperate Burnley squad who are looking to avoid relegation after their first season in the top flight since the '09-'10 season. Currently they sit at nineteenth in the table, just two points from safety (assuming no other movement by their neighbors).</p>
<p>The latest news reports tell us to expect <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> to return to the squad after being out with a hamstring injury since missing the last two matches - if I keep writing this every week, it will eventually come true. <span>Leon Osman</span> and <span>Aiden McGeady</span> could also be back after battling injuries of their own. One player that we should all continue to keep our eyes on is <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Spurs</a> loanee, Aaron Lennon as he looks to continue to impress the boss.</p>
<p><b>How to Watch or Listen</b></p>
<p><b>Match Date and Time:</b> Saturday, April 18<sup>th</sup> at 15:00 GMT / 10:00 a.m. EST</p>
<p><b>Stadium:</b> Goodison Park, Merseyside</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> Not Listed - UK / NBCSN - USA</p>
<p><b>Radio:</b> Listen live via Everton's <a href="http://www.evertonfc.com/home" target="_blank">Match Centre</a> - Worldwide / Absolute Radio - UK / SiriusXM FC - USA.</p>
<p><b>Live Stream:</b> <a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> (USA Only)</p>
<p><b>Info from:</b> <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1207322/everton-vs-burnley/" target="_blank">Livesoccertv.com</a></p>
<p><b>Lineups:</b></p>
<p>Everton Starting XI: Baines, Jagielka (C), Kone, Mirallas, McCarthy, Barry, Barkley, Coleman, Howard, Lennon, Stones</p>
<p>Everton Substitutes: Robles, McGeady, Lukaku, Naismith, Besic, Garbutt, Alcaraz</p>
<p>Burnley Starting XI: Tom Heaton, Trippier, Duff, Shackell (C), Mee, Vokes, Ings, Jones, Boyd, Barnes, Arfield</p>
<p>Burnley City Substitutes: Wallace, Kightly, Taylor, Jutkiewicz, Gilks, Ward, Michael Keane</p>
<p>Join in the conversation below and stay up to date on all Everton news by following <a href="https://twitter.com/RBMersey" target="_blank">@RBMersey</a> on twitter.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/4/17/8430171/everton-v-burnley-how-to-watch-listenRyan_Blank