Late Burnley comeback sees Watford's survival hopes go up in smoke

Burnley give their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost after coming from behind to beat direct rivals Watford in a relegation six pointer. The Hornets needed to win the contest and took the lead in the eighth minute after an own goal by James Tarkowski, but Burnley came fighting back in the second half. After several lucky escapes, Jack Cork finally levelled for Burnley in the 83rd minute and three minutes later, Josh Brownhill completed the turnaround. 

The result sees Burnley go five points clear of 18th placed Everton, although the Toffees have a game in hand, while Watford are now 12 points off safety with four games remaining. They also have an inferior goal difference to both Leeds and Burnley so only a miracle will see them survive. A draw would have probably been a fair result, but Burnley took their chances and ended the game the much better side. The Hornets needed to win the game and made their intentions clear from the off. 

Watford made a few dangerous runs forward in the opening minutes and then took the lead inside the first ten minutes. Kiko Femenia's ball into the box found Kucka at the back post, his shot struck the crossbar and then hit the leg of defender Tarkowski before finding the back of the net. It was unfortunate from a Burnley perspective, but the hosts continued to press after the goal. 

Kucka was denied by Tarkowski moments later while Joao Pedro failed to hit the target after a long punt forward by Ben Foster. Brownhill had a rare sight of goal for Burnley, but Watford continued to pile on the pressure. With 24 minutes on the clock, Femenia almost scored straight from a corner, but he was denied by the post, but Burnley posed a threat on the odd occasion and thought they had won a penalty just before the half hour. However, the VAR spotted that Sissoko's foul on McNeil was just outside the box. It remained 1-0 at half-time and Burnley came out a different side in the second period. 

Aaron Lennon looked dangerous early on and forced a great save out of Ben Foster and the Clarets continue to press hard for an equaliser. The game then opened up and Watford also had opportunities on the counter, but Nick Pope was rarely tested in the Burnley goal. With just over 15 minutes to go, Burnley came within inches of equalising when McNeil headed a corner towards goal, but Foster made a terrific save onto the crossbar to preserve Watford's lead. However, Roy Hodgson's men were unable to hold on for the three points. 

Jack Cork got Burnley's deserved equaliser when he headed home a beautiful cross from Charlie Taylor from six yards out. That saw Watford searching desperately for a winner and Burnley ended up completing the comeback. Watford failed to clear the ball away, Matej Vydra laid off to Brownhill who hit a shot past goalkeeper Foster to send the travelling fans ecstatic. The job is far from done for Burnley, but this is a huge step towards safety while for Watford, an instant return to the Championship awaits. 

 

April 30, 2022