Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Joe Thomas

Burnley blow huge chance as Everton relegation battle takes new twist

Everton's main relegation rivals threw away a golden opportunity to move to within one point of the Blues.

Burnley's Maxwel Cornet missed a penalty with the Clarets already leading by a goal at West Ham. But he dragged the effort wide and the home side fought back to level through Tomas Soucek.

The miss could prove pivotal in a relegation battle during which momentum has swung between Everton and Burnley over weeks of drama. Cornet had scored the late winner that dragged Burnley within touching distance of Everton when they beat the Blues 3-2 at Turf Moor earlier this month.

READ MORE: Frank Lampard handed possible glimpse to the future as emerging Everton talents shine

READ MORE: 'I still feel' - Ian Wright makes blunt Everton point following Sean Dyche's Burnley sacking

However, Everton's four point lead was restored when they beat Manchester United and Burnley lost at Norwich - a result that prompted the shock dismissal of Sean Dyche. For much of Sunday afternoon's match it appeared as though Burnley would gain an immediate bounce under caretaker boss Mike Jackson.

They had overcome the sight of key midfielder Ashley Westwood being stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury midway through the first half - an incident that left Nikola Vlasic, who Westwood had collided with, in tears. Yet Cornet's penalty miss prevented the visitors from doubling their lead just before the break. Soucek was then able to level after 74 minutes.

The 1-1 draw means Everton are now three points clear of Burnley with a game in hand. The Blues host Leicester City on Wednesday before Burnley play Southampton at Turf Moor 24 hours later in the next instalment of the relegation battle.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.