Burnley belief in the great escape

TWO weeks can be an eternity in football. In that time, Burnley fans have not only got over losing Sean Dyche, but at Vicarage Road yesterday they stayed behind 20 minutes after the final whistle to chant ‘We’ve got super Michael Jackson’ about their unlikely new managerial messiah.

Jackson, the unheralded Under-23s coach asked to step in when Dyche was surprisingly axed, has presided over three wins and a draw in his four matches in charge. The Great Escape is now a distinct possibility with the Clarets five points ahead of 18th-placed Everton, albeit having played a couple of games more.

Trailing to an unfortunate own goal from James Tarkowski after eight minutes, Burnley battered away at the Watford goal for most of the second half, with Jackson taking the big decision to remove £12million January signing Wout Weghorst for club stalwart Ashley Barnes.

Barnes hit the crossbar following a wonder save by Ben Foster but didn’t feel sorry for themselves.

After 83 minutes left-back Charlie Taylor went on a lung-busting run to the byeline and crossed for Jack Cork to equalise with a diving header, his first goal since 2018.

Three minutes later, Matej Vydra showed composure to tee up Josh Brownhill, whose finish from 18 yards led to frenzied celebrations.

‘It was a great result. These games are so emotionally-charged, you won’t get silky football. It is about winning,’ said Jackson.