Wieffer scores a double as Brighton strengthens European ambitions with victory over struggling Burnley

Burnley, already aware of their impending relegation, started the match strongly, finding the net within the first ten minutes as Jaidon Anthony struck with a precise effort into the far corner. However, a marginal VAR check determined that he was offside by a fraction, disallowing the goal.

That was one of the few real chances for the Clarets. They quickly reverted to their defensive style, largely untroubled apart from a misfired attempt from Yankuba Minteh inside the box.

It wasn’t long before Danny Welbeck, aiming to equal Brighton’s record for the most Premier League goals in a single season, made a notable attempt, but his shot was comfortably saved by Martin Dubravka. This strike encapsulated the challenges both sides faced in front of goal.

Brighton eventually found their breakthrough just before half-time, as a lapse in Burnley’s defence allowed Mats Wieffer to make a late run into the area and finish off Pascal Gross’s cross.

After the break, Scott Parker’s side showed some renewed spirit, but their attempts were thwarted when Bashir Humphreys was found to be offside following Bart Verbruggen’s fumble of James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick.

Brighton soon regained control, with Dubravka executing a commendable one-handed save to deny Jack Hinshelwood’s curling shot.

Burnley struggled to recapture their attacking rhythm not due to lack of effort but rather a deficiency in quality. Even with the introduction of Armando Broja late in the game, their shortcomings persisted.

Brighton comfortably held onto their lead, securing three points that temporarily lifted them to eighth place, just three points shy of sixth. They added a second goal deep into stoppage time through Wieffer, who calmly finished from just outside the box.

The defeat does little to change Burnley’s season, with relegation now all but inevitable unless they manage to win every remaining match.

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