Burnley and Blackburn Rovers played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in a fiery Championship derby at Turf Moor. The game was a tight affair throughout, with both teams having their chances to win.
The Clarets took the lead in the first half when Lyle Foster headed home a cross from Lucas Pires. Blackburn Rovers equalized in the second half with a stunning strike from Andreas Weimann.
Burnley had a chance to win the game in the closing stages when Joe Worrall was fouled in the penalty area. However, the referee awarded a free kick instead of a penalty and Burnley's chance went begging.
The draw leaves Burnley in fifth place in the Championship table with six points from four games, while Blackburn Rovers are in third with seven points.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a tense and tactical affair. Both teams were hesitant to commit men forward and the game was largely played in midfield. The first chance of the game came after a mistake by Burnley's goalkeeper, Arijanet Muric, who misjudged a cross. Weimann picked up the ball and took a shot that narrowly missed opening the scoring.
Burnley had a goal disallowed shortly after, with their captain, Josh Brownhill, incorrectly flagged offside. The Clarets were then awarded a free kick in the box after a foul by Blackburn Rovers’ Hayden Carter. Tronstad rose to head the ball in, but without direction. But the Clarets were not to be denied, and they took the lead in the 20th minute. Foster received a good cross from the left flank, rose absolutely free and headed the ball past Aynsley Pears.
Burnley could have doubled their lead shortly after, but Blackburn Rovers were able to clear their lines. The remainder of the half saw few chances.
Blackburn Rovers came out with a vengeance after the break and started to take the game to Burnley. The visitors were rewarded for their efforts in the 54th minute when Weimann scored a stunning goal. He received a pass from Gueye, took a touch, and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the area. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.
Blackburn Rovers went close to taking the lead again, with Dolan's shot going just wide of the post.
The game became increasingly tense and fractious after that. Blackburn Rovers were reduced to ten men in the 50th minute when Gueye was shown a second yellow card. The game continued to be a close affair, though, with Burnley pressing hard to regain the lead.
Burnley had a number of chances to score in the final stages of the game, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The best of their opportunities came in the 88th minute, when Worrall was fouled in the penalty area.
The referee, Tony Harrington, awarded a free kick instead of a penalty, and that was the end of Burnley’s hopes of victory.
The Verdict: A Fair Result
In the end, the draw was a fair result. Both Burnley and Blackburn Rovers had their chances to win the game, but neither side was able to take them.
The game was also a testament to the competitive nature of the Championship. Despite their woes, Blackburn managed to come away with a point. They even had an early chance, but were ineffective and saw Burnley play more than anything else.
At one point they relied more on the strategy of holding off the opposition than playing, especially after Gueye was sent off.
That's why the point earned as a visitor should be celebrated.
They lacked finesse, attention and creativity. They even had an extra player, but were ineffective in this phase and couldn't really make the opposition goalkeeper work.
In the goal they conceded, they lacked the attention to stop the opposition's shot and avoid a draw.
The draw that ended the first half prevailed in the second and the game ended 1-1.
Burnley's Brownhill sent the last chance of the game high into the air. The free-kick sailed over the crossbar.
What's Next
Blackburn Rovers will be looking to bounce back from this draw when they face Bristol City at home on September 14th. Burnley will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to Leeds United on the same day.
