Lancashire | Burnley win battle of newly promoted sides

Burnley 2 - 0 Sunderland

Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony struck the decisive goals as Burnley claimed their first Premier League win of the season, overcoming fellow newcomers Sunderland 

Author | Andrew Montgomery 

Stadium | Turf Moor

Cullen, wearing the captain’s armband, broke the deadlock two minutes after the interval. He collected the ball on the edge of the area after a clever touch from Anthony and guided a low shot into the far corner.

Anthony turned scorer late on to settle the contest, racing on to Cullen’s through pass, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing calmly to secure the points for Scott Parker’s side. It was a timely response to last weekend’s chastening 3-0 defeat at Tottenham.

Burnley thought they had struck earlier in the first half when Lyle Foster pounced on a defensive mix-up and finished smartly, only for the referee to rule the goal out after adjudging the forward to have fouled Jenson Seelt.

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Despite enjoying more of the ball, the Clarets found Sunderland creating the better openings before the break. Martin Dubravka denied Eliezer Mayenda from close range after Dan Ballard’s cushioned header across goal, an effort that proved to be the defender’s final contribution before going off injured. Chemsdine Talbi also squandered a chance, clipping wide when well placed.

Anthony had Burnley’s best chance of the half, glancing wide from Hannibal Mejbri’s delivery just before the whistle.

The hosts emerged sharper after the restart and Cullen’s composed finish gave them control. Their momentum was briefly checked by a stoppage when the floodlights failed, but they weathered Sunderland’s late pressure before sealing the win on the counter.

Cullen threaded the ball through the middle and Anthony burst clear, slotting in a second to ensure Burnley opened their home campaign with three points.