Everton closed the gap to Chelsea to just two points as Tarkowski and Dewsbury-Hall scored in an impressive 2-0 win over Burnley.
Everton made it two Premier League victories in the space of three days on Tuesday night, dispatching Burnley 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium to strengthen their grip on a top-half finish and keep European qualification firmly in sight.
James Tarkowski’s first-half header against his former club set the tone, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall finished a neat strike after the break sealed a comfortable win. The result leaves Everton eighth in the table, just two points off sixth-placed Chelsea, and extends their remarkable away form into a solid home performance.
Moyes singles out key performers
David Moyes was quick to praise the individuals who made the difference on the night, highlighting the growing influence of several players who have found form at the right time.
“Dwight’s performance at Newcastle was very good. He built on that and took that into tonight’s game,” Moyes said of the winger, who has responded positively after a difficult January transfer window.
The Everton manager also noted the impact of players returning to full sharpness after international duty and injury. “We’re seeing a much-improved Ili and Gana after they come back from the Africa Cup of Nations, and also Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall improving greatly because he’s just beginning to get back to where he was before the hamstring injury.”
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Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye have both looked sharper in recent weeks, their energy and quality evident in midfield. Dewsbury-Hall’s goal was his second in three games, a timely return to form for a player who started the season brightly before injury disrupted his campaign.
Confidence growing within the squad
Moyes believes the collective improvement of those key individuals is driving the team forward. “I think getting those players back on form is helping us play better and helping us get a bit better rhythm,” he explained.
The Blues boss also acknowledged the importance of confidence within the group. “The players came into tonight full of confidence and with a lot of belief,” he said. That belief was evident throughout the 90 minutes, as Everton controlled large periods against a Burnley side fighting for survival.
The victory followed Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle, a result that required character as much as quality. Against Burnley, Everton showed they can win in different ways, controlling possession and seeing out a game without the late drama that defined their trip to St James’ Park.
With 10 games remaining, the Toffees are firmly in the conversation for European football. Moyes will not mention that publicly, wary of jinxing his side’s momentum. But his players know what is at stake, and performances like Tuesday’s suggest they are ready for the challenge.
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