Bungling Burnley need a miracle now
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IF BURNLEY beat the drop from here, Vincent Kompany will have to consider Manchester City’s famous title decider against QPR as only the second biggest miracle of his career. His Clarets side remain 11 points from safety after another painful afternoon. Burnley never looked like getting the result they needed. Bournemouth were ruthless in taking chances through Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo. Burnley would consider themselves on the wrong end of another borderline decision — with an equaliser by Ireland’s Josh Cullen’s ruled out for a push by Jacob Bruun Larsen. ‘We put in the energy but this league punishes you,’ said a rueful Kompany. Winning manager Andoni Iraola admitted: ‘We have played better this year and lost so we’ll take it.’ Calamitous defending gifted Bournemouth the lead after 13 minutes. Lewis Cook hoisted a regulation ball towards the penalty area and Dara O’Shea allowed Kluivert to reach it first. When the Dutchman cut inside, O’Shea fell over and the forward converted. The biggest moment of controversy arrived midway through the second half. Bruun Larsen nodded down Vitinho’s cross for skipper Cullen to bundle home but celebrations were cut short when referee David Coote judged Larsen had pushed Smith. Cook again provided the assist with a long ball to Semenyo, who accelerated inside O’Shea and his shot fizzed into the top corner via a deflection. BURNLEY (4-2-3-1): Trafford 6; Assignon 6, O’Shea 5 (Rodriguez 90min), Esteve 6, Taylor 6; Cullen 7 (Gudmundsson 90), Berge 6; Vitinho 6 (Benson 76), Odobert 6.5, Bruun Larsen 6.5 (Amdouni 69, 6); Fofana 5.5. Booked: O’Shea, Vitinho. Manager: Vincent Kompany 6. BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): Neto 7: Smith 7, Zabarnyi 6, Senesi (Mepham 12, 6), Kerkez 6 (Ouattara 89); Christie 6 (Scott 46, 6), Cook 6.5; Semenyo 6, Kluivert 7.5 (Billing 72, 6), Tavernier 6; Solanke 6.5 (Unal 89). Scorers: Kluivert 13, Semenyo 88. Booked: Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier. Manager: Andoni Iraola 6. Referee: David Coote 6. Attendance: 19,713.