Maxwel Cornet pounces late for Burnley to pile misery on endangered Everton

Everton might not be ever-presents in the Premier League for much longer. A team with acute problems on the road lost their way and their lead. They could find themselves in the bottom three on Sunday, while Burnley glimpse a route out of trouble. After registering just three wins all season, they conjured a comeback victory, courtesy of Maxwel Cornet’s decider, and with a trip to Norwich next, may record two in a week.

Everton’s sixth successive away defeat may be their most damaging yet. Their advantage over Burnley is cut to a solitary point and their 68-year stay in the top flight has rarely been as endangered. Even a remarkable performance by Richarlison, who scored twice, was not enough for Frank Lampard. Drenched by the swirling rain, he looked beleaguered as his side were beaten.

When these sides met in September, Everton’s victory took them level on points with the leaders. Suffice to say much has changed in the intervening seven months. The importance of the occasion brought a sense of urgency, but there was precious little accuracy as wayward passes showed why both these teams have among the lowest pass completion rates in the division.

This shaped up as one of those rare games when Burnley have more of the ball. Perhaps Sean Dyche sensed Everton’s frailties when he named an unusually attacking lineup. Maxwel Cornet started on the left wing as the out-of-form Dwight McNeil was omitted. Jay Rodriguez returned, ending Saturday’s flirtation with 4-4-2.

And yet, while two attackers came into the team, the scorer of Burnley’s fourth goal in 12 games was a recalled defender. Back after suspension, Nathan Collins opened his Clarets account with a volley after Cornet’s deep corner. For Everton, set-piece problems were