EPL: Burnley edge Everton in thrilling relegation battle

Maxwel Cornet’s late goal moved Burnley a point behind Everton – and safety – with a stunning 3-2 win at Turf Moor which leaves the Toffees deep in the relegation mire.

In a game that could have far-reaching implications on both side’s fortunes, a three points labelled “massive” by fellow goalscorer Jay Rodriguez lifted the Clarets to 18th, just behind Everton who sit directly above them outside the relegation zone.

The Clarets enjoyed a dream start as they looked to narrow the gap to safety when Nathan Collins took advantage of some horrendous Everton defending to side-foot home from an early corner.

But when the Toffees were awarded a penalty for Ashley Westwood’s foul on Anthony Gordon, Richarlison’s leveller changed the game’s momentum and a second spot-kick, awarded after a VAR review, was tucked away by the Brazilian four minutes before the break.

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— Everton (@Everton) April 6, 2022

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He might have had his hat-trick shortly after half-time but was denied by the woodwork moments before Rodriguez fired home Charlie Taylor’s brilliant pull-back to bring the hosts level.

An open tussle ebbed and flowed as both sides tried to find a winner without exposing themselves to defeat, until a miss-kick from Ben Godfrey allowed substitute Matej Vydra to tee up Cornet to earn Burnley a seismic victory – only their fourth of the season – five minutes from time.