Burnley climbed into the Championship’s automatic promotion places after a commanding 2-0 victory over Swansea City extended their unbeaten league run to 25 matches.
However, for Alan Sheehan’s Swansea, the gap between them and the bottom three has narrowed to just six points, with eight games left.
Early errors gift Burnley control
Burnley seized control early on, capitalising on a costly mistake from Swansea’s Josh Key. The defender stumbled on the ball, allowing Marcus Edwards to race down the left and tee up Brownhill for a simple close-range finish.
Swansea struggled to respond and found themselves two goals down before the half-hour mark. Anthony pounced on a defensive lapse, eventually smashing the ball home at the third attempt after the Swans failed to clear initial efforts from Zian Flemming and himself.
Burnley almost added a third before the break, with Lawrence Vigouroux making a fine save to deny Edwards’ powerful 20-yard strike. Swansea, meanwhile, saw penalty appeals waved away when Goncalo Franco’s shot struck CJ Egan-Riley’s arm before Liam Cullen’s header was comfortably held by James Trafford.
Defensive masterclass seals Burnley’s win
After the interval, Burnley continued to control proceedings. Anthony went close to doubling his tally, gliding past Ronald before curling an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Swansea’s best opportunity arrived in the final quarter when Josh Tymon picked out an unmarked Ronald, but his header sailed the wrong side of the post.
The Clarets were rarely troubled from that point, seeing out the game with typical defensive assurance to further enhance their remarkable clean sheet record and move ahead of Sheffield United in the promotion battle.
“It wasn’t a good start. Two slips on the ball, they had a quick counter and finished the action. You can’t turn the ball over in those areas against this kind of team.” – Swansea caretaker boss Alan Sheehan.
Burnley eye Premier League return, Swansea left in limbo
Burnley’s win moves them one point ahead of Sheffield United, who face a crucial Steel City derby against Wednesday this afternoon. With their defensive record-setting new standards, Parker’s side look well-positioned for a Premier League return.
Swansea, meanwhile, remain in 16th place but are now only six points clear of the relegation zone. This was the final match of Alan Sheehan’s caretaker spell, with the club set to decide on their long-term managerial direction in the coming days.
Writer’s view
Burnley continue to prove why they are among the favourites for promotion, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing. Their ability to control games is making them difficult to stop. Swansea, on the other hand, were undone by early errors and lacked cutting edge in attack. With a permanent managerial decision looming, the club faces a pivotal moment in their season.
