Burnley must be wondering where their next win is coming from. It has been more than two months and nine games since their most recent one in the Premier League. They were the superior team here on Saturday, but unable to find the goal to close the gap on 17th.
The hosts had more of the ball and had an xG (expected goals) of 1.65, but failed to hit the target from their 16 shots, partially explaining why they find themselves six points from the last safe spot. There was plenty of effort and endeavour from Burnley, but further evidence they lack the quality required. For Everton, in the absence of key personnel, they will be pleased to avoid a third defeat in a row.
The opening stages were not promising for those wanting festive entertainment. It took until the 29th minute for either side to test a goalkeeper, although Carlos Alcaraz heading straight at Martin Dubravka merely found out the Slovakian was awake. Everton could be forgiven for their blunt nature, missing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, the last of these absent with a virus. That left the visitors short of thrust and substitutes, naming eight, including two goalkeepers.
Only the other promoted sides, Sunderland and Leeds, have come to Turf Moor and lost. Burnley need home victories to provide a slender chance of survival. With each passing week the prospects of Premier League football here next season are looking bleaker.
