Chris Bascombe - Telegraph
Everton may have to reset their ambitions and target the conference more than the Champions League next season.
For clarification, that is not quite how it sounds. Uefa’s new third tier competition has been appallingly named the Europa Conference League, thus ensuring the joy of those qualifying is instantly diluted by the negative connotations of its awful branding.
The winners of the Carabao Cup get England’s solitary place. If Manchester City win that again, it goes to whoever finishes 6th in the Premier League.
Everton remained there after the latest expensive Goodison defeat, this time to Burnley. The manner of this loss means they will be grateful to stay where they are.
Harry Poole - BBC Sport
Had Everton's home form come close to matching their away returns this season, Carlo Ancelotti's side would have their Champions League aspirations firmly in their own hands.
Instead, in the absence of their home support, only the bottom five sides have fared worse at home than the Toffees, who have suffered seven of their 10 league defeats at Goodison this campaign.
The two goals conceded on Saturday also saw Everton eclipse their total goals conceded at home in the past two seasons, with five home games and 10 in total still to play.
Andy Hunter - Guardian
McNeil’s sublime goal was worthy of winning any game but the benefits should be far-reaching for Burnley. Premier League safety appears within sight for Sean Dyche’s side after they become the latest visitors to curb Everton’s European aspirations at Goodison Park.
McNeil, with a goal of the season contender, and Chris Wood delivered a thoroughly deserved away win that lifted Burnley seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Had fear been rising in the visitors following a run of five league games without a win they disguised it superbly, performing not only with trademark industry and resilience but with a quality in attack that belied their position in the table.
McNeil embodied the creativity and confidence that condemned Everton to a fifth defeat in seven home league matches in 2021.
