BURNLEY 0-0 SUNDERLAND: Wilson Isidor had the chance to give Sunderland a crucial win in the top-of-the-table Championship clash at Turf Moor, but ended the night in tears after Burnley’s James Trafford saved two late penalties.
Trafford played the hero for Burnley, saving two spot kicks in a dramatic finish that left Sunderland’s Isidor devastated. The England hopeful’s heroic saves kept Burnley’s unbeaten record at Turf Moor intact, despite the home side looking vulnerable in the final moments.
In the 85th minute, Isidor was awarded a penalty after being fouled in the box by CJ Egan-Riley, although Burnley protested the challenge occurred outside the area. However, Trafford dived to his right to deny Isidor’s attempt. Then, in injury time, another penalty was awarded to Sunderland after Oliver Sonne was deemed to have fouled Dennis Cirkin. Once again, Trafford was equal to the task, diving right to save Isidor’s second penalty, leaving the French striker visibly distraught.
Burnley manager Scott Parker praised Trafford’s performance, saying, “Those were two incredible saves. We know we have a great talent on our hands. He definitely earned us a point, and this could be massive for us. It’s not like the penalties were bad.”
Trafford himself said, “This feels like a win in the end. But if you take away the penalties, we had the better chances to win the game.”
Despite conceding just nine goals this season, Burnley’s issue has been a lack of goals at the other end, which prevented them from going top of the table for the first time since October 19th. However, they would have been grateful for Trafford’s heroics.
Sunderland played fearlessly against Burnley, proving they could have a significant impact on the race for automatic promotion.
In front of England assistant coach Anthony Barry, Trafford—who had been called up to the last England squad—almost made a costly error early in the game. Racing out to clear a long ball from Chris Rigg, Trafford misjudged the situation and left himself stranded, allowing Isidor to pounce. However, Maxime Esteve cleared the ball to safety.
At the other end, Sunderland’s goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, produced a brilliant save, turning away a fierce drive from Jaidon Anthony.
Sunderland’s new signing Enzo Le Fee, on loan from Roma, set up what should have been the opening goal in the 47th minute with a superb through ball, putting Isidor clean through on goal. However, the striker fired wide, a miss he’ll want to forget as Trafford’s heroics stole the show.
