Clarets Mad resident match appraiser Dave Thornley reflects on what happens when the footballing Gods decide to desert you.
After the disappointment of the lacklustre display in the goalless draw with Watford, Burnley faced back-to-back home fixtures against the two most decorated and historically resonant clubs in the land, Manchester United and Liverpool. In contemplating this, it struck me that it is occasions like these which is at stake in Burnley’s battle against relegation. Whilst there may be some comfort to be drawn from the prospect of some fewer demanding opponents in the Championship, it is surely preferable that the Clarets continue for as long as possible to test themselves against the elite.
Against Manchester United on Tuesday night, it was a test which the Clarets passed, if not with flying colours, then at least with a solid B+. It didn’t look to be going that way throughout a testing first half in which United had a goal disallowed after VAR had spotted an offside, and another chalked off for a foul. In addition, Nick Pope pulled off a miraculous close-range save, drawing a look of astonishment from Edison Cavani who was in the process of wheeling away to celebrate what he believed to be a tap-in.
Paul Pogba did put the visitors ahead, turning in a left-wing cross which, if one is being critical, should have been blocked at the near post before it had reached the French midfielder. In the second half however, an entirely different Burnley team emerged from the home dressing room; hungrier, more forceful, perhaps a bit angrier. As a result, the Clarets began to expose some of the shortcomings which have haunted United throughout the season. None more so that Wout Weghorst, the Clarets’ new signing gave the Red Devils’ centre backs a torrid forty-five minutes, the highlight of which was a slick turn which sent covering defender Harry Maguire into isolation, followed by a perceptive pass to Jay Rodriguez who slipped the ball neatly past David DeGea for the equaliser.
As the half developed it was Burnley who looked more likely to find a winning goal, but the game eventually ended a draw. There was however the sight of one of the most iconic figures in the modern game entering the contest from the bench. In addition to Ashley Barnes, Cristiano Ronaldo also came on as a substitute. And so, to Sunday afternoon’s clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Reds of course are one of the most accomplished teams in the country, boasting a diverse range of world class talent. In this context Burnley were always going to find the fixture a massive challenge and although they were not to be rewarded with anything to show in the points column there was encouragement enough in the standard of Burnley’s performance to suggest that it is still premature to cast the towel of relegation into the ring.
Indeed, if some goals can be drafted on to the most miserly of the defences amongst the teams at the foot of the table, then victories could follow in sufficient number to keep the Clarets afloat. In addition, having comfortably the best goal difference may yet prove to be the Clarets’ salvation. The only goal of a keenly contested and always enthralling match came late in the first half when a miscued corner was scrambled into the Burnley goal by Fabino following a fortunate rebound.
Burnley created some chances but found their finishing touch deserting them and Liverpool keeper Allison in unyielding form. An unfortunate but not especially disappointing result, given the standard of the Clarets’ performance and the endeavour they displayed. If we are to conclude this season with Burnley being relegated, then at least a measure of comfort can be drawn from the fight they are putting up.
When the footballing Gods are with you, Weghorst and Rodriguez would certainly have netted twice, when the Gods are against you, they won’t and did not. Burnley’s collective failure to score goals all season, means the requirement to record another eight wins to avoid relegation is in reality looking beyond them.

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