Relegation-scrapping Burnley took their unbeaten run to four games but will again lament dropped points from a 1-1 draw with Wolves at Turf Moor on Tuesday.
Jacob Bruun Larsen scored another pretty goal for the Clarets, but Rayan Ait-Nouri headed home before halftime to help Wolves to a point.
It was the third score draw of the streak, as Vincent Kompany’s men have not been able to avoid that critical mistake at the back so often this season and it may be the reason Burnley fail to get another season in the Premier League.
WATCH BURNLEY v WOLVES FULL MATCH REPLAY
Burnley were the better team, out-attempting Wolves 13-8 and keeping 52% of the ball while putting six shots on Jose Sa’s goal. They’ll settle for their 19th point and 19th place on a day that 16th-place Everton got a 26th point and Nottingham Forest won to get to 25.
Wolves are wobbling after a nice run from the Festive Fixtures through February. Gary O’Neil’s men have a 1W-1D-2L record of late, and their 42 points are 10th on the table. That’s two points behind 8th-place Newcastle, three back of West Ham, and six behind sixth-place Manchester United.
Clarets relegation will likely come down to bad decisions at both ends
Burnley have hemorrhaged chances this season and haven’t done much with what they’ve produced, as three players are tied for the team lead in goals with a meager four a piece. The expected goals aren’t there, either, and this Burnley team was going to need to outscore opponents because they give up chance after chance after chance. Promoted teams also often need their keeper to keep them up, and young James Trafford was given too much time before Burnley went back to Arijanet Muric. And while the Clarets addressed their back line in the January window and Dara O’Shea has had his moments, it’s far from all about the keeper. All of the above is why a decent-enough football system is not going to produce a second Premier League season unless something special arrives at Turf Moor.
Burnley vs Wolves player ratings (fotmob.com)
Both keepers played well but Jose Sa’s control of his 18 yard box is the reason this game stayed 1-1. Burnley was good everywhere but the right side, where Vitinho did his best but couldn’t get that little extra from Wilson Odobert and David Datro Fofana. Wolves teenage striker Leon Chiwome couldn’t find his footing up top, while Max Kilman helped Sa keep things straight at the back for Wolves.
Burnley vs Wolves player ratings (fotmob.com)
Burnley vs Wolves player ratings (fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Burnley go to Everton in a 10am ET Saturday must-win match against old pal Sean Dyche, while Wolves host West Ham at the same time.
How to watch Burnley vs Wolves live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 2:45pm ET, Tuesday (April 2)
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Premier League on Peacock
Burnley vs Wolves live updates — By Nick Mendola
Burnley vs Wolves final score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Bruun Larsen (37'), Ait-Nouri (45+3')
Lemina comes close!
Ooooh, Mario Lemina leaps forward to meet a stung cross from the left but his header is just wide of giving Wolves a first lead of the game.
Jose Sa standing tall
Wolves keeper has had control of his box today, with the Bruun Larsen goal a borderline unstoppable effort.
He’s been well-prepared for everything Burnley’s put his way, and the reason it’s still 1-1.
Halftime — Burnley 1-1 Wolves
It’s been tight since the Burnley breakthrough, but the 1-0 lead for Burnley felt well-earned while it lasted
Shot attempts were even and the sides shared possession pretty evenly through 45 minutes.
Jacob Bruun Larsen’s technical marvel had Vincent Kompany’s Clarets moving further off the bottom, but Ait-Nouri worked his magic to level the line.
Ait-Nouri in form — Burnley 1-1 Wolves (45+3' minute)
Rayan Ait-Nouri has been playing so well, and his mazy dribble earns a dangerous free kick.
He lines up with the attackers to go after the service, and Ait-Nouri’s got the goal as well with a terrific header.
We’re gonna go to the break on level terms at Turf Moor.
Beautiful, fitting opener — Burnley 1-0 Wolves (37th minute)
Arijanet Muric starts the play with a sprayed pass from the Burnley end, and it only takes another pass or two before the ball is whipped into the box by Dara O’Shea.
Jacob Bruun Larsen brings his A-plus technical game, snapping the volley just before it hits the turf to make it 1-0.
Pretty, pretty.
Wolves chance!
Finally, some threat and it comes from the yellow side of things, as Toti Gomes turns a header just wide of the far post.
Burnley brighter, but no breakthrough
The Clarets have really taken firm control of this one, though we’re still awaiting real danger.
Underway!
Feeling out period to start this one, where Burnley have the lone shot attempt of the mach after about 10 minutes.
Both teams have had spells of possession to start, as Burnley will look to take advantage of a weary and thin Wolves side.
Burnley lineup
Muric, Taylor, O’Shea, Esteve, Cullen, Berge, Bruun Larsen, Vitinho, Foster, Odobert, Fofana
Wolves lineup
Sa, Semedo, Kilman, Gomes, Doherty, Lemina, Sarabia, Ait-Nouri, Toti, Bueno, Chiwome.
Burnley focus, team news
The fact that David Datro Fofana is back available is huge as he couldn’t play last time out as he’s on loan from Chelsea. Fofana has given Burnley a focal point up top and will cause Wolves plenty of problems.
OUT: Lorenz Assignon (suspension), Nathan Redmond (hamstring), Luca Koleosho (knee), Aaron Ramsey (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Jordan Beyer (thigh), Ameen Al-Dakhil (undisclosed)
Wolves focus, team news
If Cunha is available to start then that will be a big boost for Wolves and the way they play.
OUT: Pedro Neto (hamstring), Hee-chan Hwang (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Craig Dawson (groin), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (knee)