Knowing that their chances of pulling off possibly the greatest escape the Premier League has ever seen are dwindling week on week, Burnley knew they had to pull a rabbit out of the hat here to keep their slim hopes alive.
They ought to have taken an early lead too when Jacob Bruun Larsen ghosted in around the back to meet Wilson Odobert’s cross inside the six-yard box, but unbelievably he fired wide when it seemed easier to score. That seemed to be the wake-up call Brighton needed, and it was their turn to trade a blow next as Simon Adingra stung the palms of Arijanet Muric from the edge of the area.
The only notable save either goalkeeper made came shortly before the break, and it was no surprise to see it was Muric making it. He flew across his goal to palm away Jakub Moder’s free-kick to round off what was an underwhelming advert for Premier League football.
The second half opened in a similarly uninspiring fashion, but a huge stroke of fortune in the Seagulls’ favour almost broke the deadlock. Fortunately for the Clarets though, Pascal Groß’ deflected effort dropped inches wide of the post.
In the absence of Vincent Kompany as he serves a touchline ban, Craig Bellamy turned to Jay Rodriguez on the bench for some inspiration and he almost provided it in an instant when his wicked effort from the edge of the area forced a smart stop out of Bart Verbruggen.
However, it was another substitute who eventually found the net – admittedly in fortuitous circumstances – as Josh Brownhill closed down Verburggen’s clearance and the ball ricocheted off him and into the back of the net.
Shortly after, Brighton found a fortunate goal of their own, when in seemingly no danger, Sander Berge knocked the ball back to Muric who saw it squirm beneath his foot and roll over the line – the second week running a glaring goalkeeping error has cost Burnley.
It was Brighton doing all the late running for a winner knowing their European aspirations were fading, but it remained elusive and they were forced to settle for a point that in truth neither side would’ve taken before kick-off.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Maxime Estève (Burnley)
