Burnley 2-0 Sunderland: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Burnley 2-0 Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, 23 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Burnley secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Sunderland at home, a result that might not have been surprising given their recent form. The Clarets, who had previously lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, bounced back impressively. Josh Cullen's goal in the 47th minute set the tone, and Jaidon Anthony's late strike in the 88th minute sealed the win. This victory marks a strong start for Burnley, who have now ended their losing streak and shown they can compete effectively at home.

Sunderland, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm after a promising 3-0 win against West Ham United in their last outing. The away side failed to capitalise on their higher possession and were unable to convert their opportunities into goals. The early substitution of Jenson Seelt in the 9th minute hinted at tactical adjustments, but it wasn't enough to change the course of the game. This loss will be a setback for Sunderland, who will need to regroup quickly to maintain their competitive edge.

The statistics from the match reflect Burnley's efficiency rather than dominance, as they managed to secure the win despite having only 42% possession compared to Sunderland's 58%. The Clarets were more effective in front of goal, with two assists to Sunderland's none, which ultimately made the difference. Interestingly, Burnley also had more corners (4 to 3), suggesting they created more scoring opportunities despite less possession. The clean sheet and disciplined performance, with no yellow or red cards, further underline Burnley's solid defensive display.

The game's turning point came early in the second half when Josh Cullen scored in the 47th minute, giving Burnley the lead and shifting the momentum in their favour. This goal was crucial as it forced Sunderland to chase the game, potentially opening up spaces for Burnley to exploit. The late goal by Jaidon Anthony in the 88th minute was the icing on the cake, ensuring the three points and showcasing Burnley's ability to capitalise on late opportunities.

Sunderland's early substitution of Jenson Seelt in the 9th minute suggested an attempt to adapt to the game's flow, but it did not yield the desired impact. Simon Adingra's yellow card in the 19th minute added to their frustrations, as it limited their tactical options. Despite making multiple substitutions throughout the match, Sunderland couldn't find the breakthrough they needed, highlighting their struggle to convert possession into goals.

Burnley lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Martin Dúbravka in goal and a backline of Kyle Walker, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Estève, and Quilindschy Hartman. The midfield was anchored by Lesley Ugochukwu and Josh Cullen, with Jacob Bruun Larsen, Hannibal, and Jaidon Anthony supporting striker Lyle Foster. The impact of the substitutions, particularly Josh Laurent and Oliver Sonne in the 69th minute, helped maintain the team's momentum. Josh Cullen's standout performance, including a goal and an assist, was pivotal in securing the victory.

Sunderland opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Robin Roefs between the posts and a defence consisting of Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava. The midfield trio of Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, and Noah Sadiki aimed to control the game, while Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, and Simon Adingra led the attack. The early substitution of Jenson Seelt and the subsequent changes, including Enzo Le Fée and Patrick Roberts, were attempts to inject new energy into the team. However, these adjustments did not yield the desired impact, and Sunderland struggled to break down Burnley's defence.

Josh Cullen is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance was instrumental in Burnley's victory. Scoring a crucial goal in the 47th minute and providing an assist, Cullen demonstrated his ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch. His creation of one big chance and one key pass further highlight his pivotal role in the team's success, making him a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Sunderland (H)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Burnley (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs West Ham United (H)

With this win, Burnley now sit in 10th place with 3 points. Their next challenge is in the EFL Cup against Derby County on August 26, 2025, at 18:45. This result will boost their confidence, and they will look to build on this performance as they aim to climb the league standings.

Despite the loss, Sunderland remain in 7th place with 3 points. They will face Huddersfield Town next in the EFL Cup on August 26, 2025, at 18:45. This defeat might prompt a reassessment of their approach, as they seek to bounce back and maintain their position in the league.

Game Week 2

• Fulham V Manchester United

• Everton V Brighton

• Newcastle V Liverpool

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