Everton 2-1 Burnley

by James Nalton at Goodison Park

AN Andros Townsend wonder-strike secured consecutive home wins for Everton under new manager Rafa Benitez.

This game against Burnley on Monday night produced an identical scoreline to their home opener against Southampton last month. And as was the case in that game, Everton had to come back from a goal down.

A dire first half gave way to a second period full of goals. Ben Mee gave Burnley the lead within 10 minutes of the half but this sparked Everton into life.

Benitez was about to bring Andre Gomes on for Ben Godfrey, switching from a back three to a back four in an attempt to get back into the game.

But before the substitution could be made, Michael Keane headed Everton level from Townsend’s cross.

Gomes entered the fray and the new shape made the home side more of an attacking threat.

Goodison was now rocking after a quiet first half, and the Keane goal was merely the bonus before the real magic happened.

When Townsend received the ball in the right-hand channel from Abdoulaye Doucoure’s pass, it was fairly easy to predict what he would try to do.

The optimism around the stadium after the equaliser encouraged him to shoot, and his precise, powerful and slightly looping long-range effort found the top corner — even beyond the considerable frame of the outstretched Nick Pope in the Burnley goal.

When the excellent Doucoure set up Demarai Gray for Everton’s third — a composed finish from the English winger — it felt like Everton could score at will.

And they did net a fourth when Coleman crossed for Doucoure who deserved a goal, but the French midfielder had strayed slightly offside.

Everton saw the game out with some comfortable passing, Townsend continuing to enjoy himself in his new surroundings, playing with a smile on his face and a trick at his feet.