Jeff celebrates 100th appearance in style
SEAN DYCHE hailed last-gasp hero Jeff Hendrick on his 100th Premier League appearance for Burnley.
The Ireland midfielder turned supersub to fire in a 91st-minute equaliser and snatch a point for boss Dyche’s off-colour side.
It was agony for Brighton and manager Graham Potter who saw two grim winless streaks extended.
The Seagulls have now gone eight top-flight home matches without a win – and also eight without victory against bogey side Burnley.
The home side led when French striker Neal Maupay, signed for £20million from Brentford in the summer, acrobatically volleyed them ahead after 51 minutes.
But missed chances to kill the game off cost Brighton dear as Burnley showed their “strong jaw”.
Dyche ( right) said: “Jeff has scored a few classy goals, and today’s was fantastic, really good. A top-drawer strike after a great layoff from Vydra.
“Jeff is unfortunate, he does so many good jobs for us and I can’t believe he gets questioned.
“He is also a top lad around the place and a very good player. He will ask me what can he do to play, and why isn’t he playing. But it is the most competitive group I have had.
“We played well for 25 minutes and didn’t score.
They changed shape, and were the better side in the second half.
“But the changes we made later affected the game. I was pleased to get away with a point today, given the second half. We have a strong jaw and mentality, and we nicked a point.”
Seagulls boss Graham Potter said: “We are disappointed with the result and the manner of the goal so late. After we changed our shape in the first half we were the better team and scored a good goal and had other chances. They scored from their only shot on target.
“But that is the Premier League and what can happen if you don’t k kill teams off and get that s second goal – other teams c can hurt you.
“Of course it is important t to win your home games, but I think it will come, the performances are there.”
Burnley started well and could have led when Adam Webster hacked the ball on to Shane Duffy and over the bar. Jack Cork’s shot was then blocked by Glenn Murray.
But a Potter tactical switch changed the game, moving to a back four. Solly March, Murray and Maupay brought saves from Nick Pope, while Murray glanced a header just wide. After 51 minutes Maupay volleyed the opening goal from March’s cross.
Brighton should have doubled their lead after 57 minutes but Davy Propper headed over.
Jay Rodriguez, loudly jeered by the home fans, came on for Chris Wood after 65 minutes. Rodriguez was involved in an alleged racism case towards Brighton defender Gaetan Bong last year, but the FA found the case “not proven”.
Ashley Westwood escaped a possible red card for a foul on Maupay, despite a VAR check. But Hendrick, teed up by fellow sub Matej Vydra, had the final say.