Burnley extend unbeaten run with comfortable win
Swansea City 0 - 2 Burnley
Burnley climbed into the Championship’s top two with a commanding victory over Swansea City, extending their remarkable unbeaten league run to 25 games.
The Clarets were in control from the off, capitalising on an early mistake from Josh Key, whose slip gifted Josh Brownhill a simple finish from close range.
Jaidon Anthony doubled the lead midway through the first half, smashing the ball high into the net after Swansea failed to clear their lines.
Scott Parker’s side never looked in danger of surrendering their lead and set a new second-tier record in the process, registering their 27th league clean sheet of the season.
The win lifts Burnley to second, a point ahead of Sheffield United, who take on Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Meanwhile, Swansea remain 16th after back-to-back defeats, with the gap to the relegation zone now down to six points with eight games left to play.
Burnley cruise past Swansea as Sheehan’s caretaker spell ends
This was Alan Sheehan’s fifth and final game as Swansea’s interim boss, with the club expected to decide on their long-term managerial plans next week. While his latest spell in charge has had its positives, his side were second best from the moment Key’s misfortune gifted Burnley the opener.
The full-back lost his footing and fell, allowing Marcus Edwards to break down the left before teeing up Brownhill for the simplest of finishes.
Swansea struggled to get going and found themselves further behind when Anthony eventually fired home at the third attempt, with the home defence twice blocking efforts from him and Zian Flemming.
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Burnley almost added a third before half-time, but Lawrence Vigouroux produced a fine save to tip Edwards’ long-range drive over the bar.
Swansea finally showed some attacking intent late in the first half, with penalty appeals waved away after Gonçalo Franco’s shot appeared to strike CJ Egan-Riley’s arm. Moments later, Liam Cullen’s header was easily gathered by James Trafford.
In the end, though, it was another statement win for Burnley, who continue to march towards automatic promotion.
A big week for James Trafford
The Burnley keeper was named in the England squad this week, but had few opportunities to show why as Swansea toiled going forward.
Parker's team should have extended their lead early in the second half when Anthony skillfully maneuvered past Ronald's challenge, only to curl his shot wide of the far post.
Swansea continued to push for a goal, creating their best opportunity in the final quarter when Josh Tymon found the unmarked Ronald. Unfortunately, his header went wide of the post.
From that point on, Burnley remained untroubled, further solidifying their impressive defensive record while also challenging the Blades ahead of the Steel City derby.
