Full Time: Burnley 2-2 West Bromwich Albion
Burnley were held to a 2-2 draw by Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion at the Turf Moor, on Saturday, in the Premier League.
The first half passed by goalless as neither teams created much. But the Clarets took the lead eleven minutes into the second period through striker Sam Vokes. But the parity would be restored ten minutes later by Salomon Rondon’s close-range effort.
The Baggies were charged up after the equalizer and Craig Dawson put them ahead in the 78th minute with a powerful header from a corner-kick. But, with four minutes left on the clock, Burnley were back on level terms as that man, Vokes, headed into the net after a mistake from Ben Foster from a set-piece situation, to rescue a point for his team.
The result means Burnley are all but safe from relegation. They sit in the 14th place, with 40 points, eight above Swansea City in the eighteenth spot, with three games left. Here is how the Burnley players fared:
Burnley Player Ratings
Tom Heaton – 6/10
Not much he could do about both the goals. Managed to stop a weak chipped effort from James McClean late in the game.
Matthew Lowton – 7/10
Had a solid game again. Defended well, won all his headers and was a willing runner down the flanks. Caught out late in the game from a long ball, other than that a strong outing.
Kevin Long – 6.5/10
Made one crucial block from Rondon in the first period. Wasn’t troubled a whole lot by the giant Venezuelan on his first Premier League start.
James Tarkowski – 6.5/10
Missed a great opportunity to put his team ahead in the second half as he headed wide from a great position. Wasn’t asked a lot of questions defensively but dealt well with whatever little came his way.
Stephen Ward – 6/10
Started despite fitness concerns. Fairly solid at back, but did not influence the game going forward.
George Boyd – 6/10
Found a lot of space down the wide areas and played a few good balls into the box to pick out Vokes. Helped the team out defensively as well.
Ashley Westwood – 6/10
Kept Burnley ticking along in the middle of the park along with his partner. Decent in possession, with nothing standing out spectacularly.
Jeff Hendrick – 6.5/10
Held the ball well in the midfield and kept things moving smoothly. Attempted the most passes (52) in the game from either teams.
Scott Arfield – 6/10
Was denied an opportunity to score from a last-ditch tackle by McClean. His set-piece delivery wasn’t always up to the mark though.
Ashley Barnes – 7/10
Always seemed to pop in dangerous areas and cause problems. Did very well to set Vokes up for the opener, after he could have easily gone down and claimed a penalty for the foul by Jake Livermore. Booked for a high challenge.
Sam Vokes – 9/10
Worked Ben Foster with a couple of shots in the first period. Scored the opener with an easy tap in, and then went on to get the all important equalizer late in the game. Excellent game.
Substitutes
Andre Gray – 6/10
Replaced Barnes for the last ten minutes with Burnley chasing the game. Nothing noteworthy.
Robbie Brady – 7/10
Came on for Boyd in the 82nd minute. Grabbed the assist for Vokes’ second with a well taken free-kick.
Johann Berg-Gudmundsson – NA
Replaced Arfield with in the 83rd minute.