Burnley's desperate search for a Premier League victory was extended to nine matches after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Everton at Turf Moor. Despite a vastly improved performance and a promising new tactical system, the Clarets could not find the finishing touch required to secure three crucial points.
Promising System Fails to Deliver Goals
Manager Scott Parker may have found a formula that offers a glimmer of survival hope, deploying his side in an aggressive and fluid 3-4-3 formation. The system, featuring overlapping centre-halves and rapid one-touch football, frequently bamboozled a depleted Everton and generated appreciative noise from the home support.
Armando Broja was provided with ample service from wingers and wing-backs, but he, along with Jacob Bruun Larsen, Bashir Humphreys, and Zian Flemming, spurned clear opportunities. After taking 10 points from their first nine games, Burnley have managed just two from the subsequent nine, leaving them six points adrift of safety.
Dibling Shines on Rare Everton Start
For Everton, the major positive was the performance of teenage winger Tyler Dibling. Making only his second league start of the season, the £42million summer signing capitalised on the absence of Iliman Ndiaye at AFCON and was his side's most potent threat.
The 19-year-old was unlucky not to score in the first half, tormenting Burnley's Lucas Pires to such an extent that the hosts were forced to double-mark him. His influence waned after the break, and he received a yellow card for a cynical foul on Jaidon Anthony, but his display offered clear promise for the Toffees.
Everton's Attacking Absences Felt
David Moyes's side clearly missed the attacking impetus of Jack Grealish (virus), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (thigh), and Ndiaye. They finished the first half with a paltry expected goals (xG) figure of 0.13 and have now failed to score in three consecutive matches.
Charly Alcaraz grew into the game as a creative force, while Dwight McNeil was steady on the left. However, the result underscores the need for Everton to bolster their squad depth in the January transfer window if European ambitions are to be realised.
Edwards Embodies Burnley's Frustration
The Clarets' conundrum was perfectly encapsulated by Marcus Edwards on his first league start of the campaign. The winger, once tipped for England honours, was a constant spark, capable of moments of sublime skill—such as a delicious dinked pass for Bruun Larsen—that lifted the crowd.
Yet, he was equally prone to running into dead ends or losing possession cheaply, provoking frustration. Parker is likely to persist with him, however, as at his best he remains the team's most talented match-winner.
Ultimately, Burnley were applauded off rather than booed, a sign of the improved display. But with a quarter of the season now passing without a win, the need for a clinical edge in the January market is becoming increasingly desperate. The Grim Reaper of relegation is shuffling ever closer to Turf Moor.
