Burnley’s hero was super sub David Datro Fofana, who scored twice to help the Clarets tie Fulham 2-2 in the last seconds at Turf Moor. Fofana is on loan from Chelsea.
After controlling the most of the match and jumping out to a two-goal lead through goals from Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz in just 21 minutes, the Cottagers appeared ready to put more pressure on Vincent Kompany, whose team was jeered off at halftime.
The hosts didn’t really come to life until just after the hour, when home debutant Fofana was introduced. He gave them hope in just seven minutes by heading Lorenz Assignon’s cross into an empty net.
In added time, he converted that hope into reality by heading Wilson Odobert’s low cross over the line from close range, giving the Clarets a crucial point even though they had to concede first—something they had not done all season.
Due to Luton’s draw against Newcastle, Burnley’s point keeps them seven points clear of safety, while Fulham’s dismal play has seen them win just once in their last seven games.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany said: “I think that was a turning point for us, the performance of Fofana, the performance of Maxime Esteve, the performance of Assignon and the other players who came off the bench, that was a turning point for us.
“We have to have this week-in, week-out. We can use any help we can get and David showed today that he gives us something different and we will need it.
“I’ve not spent one second talking with him about what he did in the Premier League or with Chelsea. But he’s played in the Bundesliga, which is a very, very tough league and he’s a player that comes back with a wealth of experience.”
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Marco Silva said:
“There is frustration of course in our dressing room at the way we lost two points this afternoon. Until the moment they scored for 2-1 we are the best team in the pitch. We could have made it 3-0 instead of 2-1 but for their exceptional goalkeeper who kept them in the game.
“We lost two points because they punished the mistakes, it’s not the first time it has happened.
“You have to be stronger at this level. If you make mistakes of course you are punished. For 70 minutes we played so well but you cannot switch off and be naive like we were.”
Burnley travel to Anfield next on Saturday while Fulham host Bournemouth on the same day.
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