Everton strengthened their push for European qualification with a victory over Burnley, securing their first home win in the Premier League in almost three months.
Centre-back James Tarkowski broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a powerful header, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall doubled the advantage just after the hour mark with a composed chip over Martin Dubravka.
The Toffees, whose last home win came in early December, climbed to within one point of seventh-placed Brentford, while Burnley’s struggles continued as they suffered their 18th league defeat of the season, leaving them eight points adrift of safety with nine matches left.
After a quiet start, Tarkowski punished his former side by rising highest to head in James Garner’s inviting delivery. It marked his first goal since his dramatic late equaliser in a Merseyside derby over a year ago.
Everton nearly added a second before halftime, but Jarrad Branthwaite’s header was denied by Dubravka following another well-placed set piece from Garner.
The hosts came out stronger in the second half and extended their lead within 15 minutes. Iliman Ndiaye set up Dewsbury-Hall after an earlier effort had been ruled offside, allowing him to score his sixth league goal of the campaign.
Idrissa Gueye came close to making it three late on, striking the crossbar with a curling effort from distance.
Despite scoring three in their previous match, Burnley struggled in attack and only managed their first shot on target in the 79th minute, missing the presence of their top scorer.
