Justin Kluivert’s first-half goal gave Bournemouth a sigh of relief and very strong footing from a 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.
Kluivert scored for the third time since Boxing Day — Bournemouth’s last win — and the Cherries stopped a seven-match Premier League winless run by completing a season sweep over the Clarets.
WATCH BURNLEY vs BOURNEMOUTH FULL MATCH REPLAY
Bournemouth go 11 points clear of 18th-place Luton Town with 12 matches left for each.
Burnley remain 19th with 13 points and this one had to be three points, let alone a draw, and the Clarets went for it.. Now they sit 11 points off safety with 11 to play including two home matches left with clubs who are or can be dragged in the relegation fight. Brentford and Nottingham Forest visit, and Burnley also go to Everton and Sheffield United.
Fine margins with Cherries as Clarets near Championship
Relegation took a big step closer to Burnley on Sunday as they now only have 11 games to make up 11 points on Nottingham Forest, 12 on Everton, or 13 on Brentford (and Luton has 20 in 18th).
Burnley attacked and went for it, holding 76% possession and doubling the Cherries’ shot attempts, but Neto made four saves for Bournemouth including a sensational one in the first half.
Dara O’Shea was just a step slow to react when Kluivert scored his goal, taking a touch to send the defender skittering away, and that’s been the difference this year for Burnley and Bournemouth.
Andoni Iraola’s Cherries have found enough of those moments to almost ensure they’ll be able to try and build on this season in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Burnley is a step behind in maturity, and hopefully manager Vincent Kompany gets the chance to reload with another year of his system in the Championship (barring a completely unforeseen turn of events the rest of this season).
What’s next?
Bournemouth have another great chance to firm up another season in the Premier League with a 10am ET home kickoff with Sheffield United on Saturday. Burnley go to West Ham at 10am one day later.
Burnley vs Bournemouth final score: 1-0
Goal: Kluivert (13')
Burnley vs Bournemouth player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Burnley vs Bournemouth player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Burnley vs Bournemouth player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Justin Kluivert goal
A hopeful pass catches Dara O’Shea uncertain and Justin Kluivert is so good with the ball here.
The son of Dutch soccer royalty continues his terrific run of form with a cute touch and firm finish, and Bournemouth take the lead against the run of play.
How to watch Burnley vs Bournemouth live, stream link and start time
Kickoff: 8am ET Sunday
Odds: Burnley (+270) vs Bournemouth (-110) | Draw (+275)
TV Channel: USA Network
Stream: Online via NBC.com
Burnley lineup
Trafford; Vitinho, O’Shea, Esteve, Taylor; Assignon, Berge, Cullen, Odobert; Fofana, Bruun Larsen
Bournemouth lineup
Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Semenyo, Christie, Cook, Tavernier; Kluivert; Solanke
Burnley focus, team news
The absence of Josh Brownhill through suspension is a big one, as the midfielder has been one of the most consistent and impactful Clarets this season.
OUT: Nathan Redmond (hamstring), Luca Koleosho (knee), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Lyle Foster (undisclosed), Aaron Ramsey (knee), Josh Brownhill (suspension)
Bournemouth focus, team news
Who will finish the Cherries’ chances if Dominic Solanke and Enes Unal miss out on the game? Antoine Semenyo, Luis Sinisterra, Dango Ouattara, and Justin Kluivert will be in focus.
OUT: Max Aarons (thigh), Tyler Adams (hamstring - out until February), Ryan Fredericks (calf), James Hill (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Lloyd Kelly (groin), Dominic Solanke (knee)
