Seamus Coleman hails Eto'o masterclass as veteran striker's brace guns down Burnley

SEAMUS COLEMAN hailed Samuel Eto’o’s match-winning master-class as Everton moved into the top half of the table after their 3-1 triumph at Burnley.

The veteran striker’s classy brace propelled the Toffees to ninth in the Premier league, just two points off the top five and secured consecutive wins for the first time so far this season.


Eto’o, 33, joined the Blues on a free transfer in the summer after being released by Chelsea, and Coleman reckons his signing was an inspired decision by Roberto Martinez.


He said: “He’s brilliant. There’s so much you can say about Samuel Eto’o really. He’s done it all. He’s been brilliant with us – there’s no ego or anything and he fits in great with all the lads.


“That second goal he scored is something we see in training all the time. The way he drops off, gets the ball and puts it in that corner. Unfortunately he was denied his hat-trick but it was a class display.


“His work-rate shows a great example. Hopefully the likes of Rom (Lukaku) and everyone can learn a lot from him. It can only be good for everyone at the club.”


Coleman admitted he was concerned when the Toffees were tasked with holding on to a slim lead with 20 minutes remaining at Turf Moor, but said the ensuing display of resilience made the result all the more sweeter.

“Naturally you do worry when you have the lead about letting it slip, particularly after our start to the season,” said Coleman, reflecting on a period at the start of the campaign when Everton let slip winning positions against Leicester City and Arsenal.


“But I think as the game went on the likes of Gareth Barry got his foot on the ball and controlled the game a lot more. Then it was such a relief to see Eto’o put that in and we could relax for the last five minutes and keep the ball.


“We were disappointed with how we started the season. We knew we had to start being more consistent. I know it’s a cliche but every game in the Premier League really is hard and we knew coming to Turf Moor wouldn’t be easy. So to go there and get the three points was important and we can look forward to next week with something to build on.”


The right-back regularly earns rave reviews for his attacking prowess, but at Burnley the Blues full-backs was tasked with a more defensive role in a side lacking width.


“It was a different type of game for us but Bainesy still got his assists which was far from his first of the season,” he said.


“He’s been different class for us . It was one of those games that sometimes you just have to hold your position and help your centre halves because they played a lot of long balls as well so we just needed the result.”