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

Dive into Ladbrokes’ 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 was perhaps unexpected given their recent form. The Clarets, who had suffered a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in their previous outing, bounced back impressively. Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony scored the goals that sealed the win, with Cullen's strike coming just after halftime and Anthony's in the dying minutes of the game. This win not only ended Burnley's losing streak but also showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments.

Sunderland, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm after a strong performance against West Ham United. Despite dominating possession, they failed to convert their opportunities into goals. The Black Cats' early substitution of Jenson Seelt and a yellow card for Simon Adingra hinted at a disrupted game plan. This loss will be a setback for Sunderland, who will need to regroup quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the league.

The statistics from the match reveal a surprising outcome given the possession disparity. Burnley, with only 42% of the ball, managed to outscore Sunderland, who had 58% possession. This suggests that the Clarets were more clinical in front of goal, as evidenced by their two goals compared to Sunderland's zero. Additionally, Burnley's higher number of successful dribbles (27% vs. 22%) indicates they were more effective in breaking down the opposition's defence. The clean sheet, coupled with a disciplined performance with no cards, further underscores Burnley's tactical superiority on the day.

The game's pivotal moment came early when Lyle Foster's shot was ruled out by VAR in the 18th minute, setting the tone for a tightly contested match. However, it was Josh Cullen who broke the deadlock just after halftime with a well-taken goal in the 47th minute, shifting the momentum firmly in Burnley's favor. The Clarets' strategic substitutions in the 69th and 83rd minutes, bringing on fresh legs, helped maintain their dominance. Jaidon Anthony's late goal in the 88th minute sealed the victory, ensuring Burnley's hard-fought win.

For Sunderland, the early substitution of Jenson Seelt in the 9th minute suggested an attempt to adapt to Burnley's tactics. Simon Adingra's yellow card in the 19th minute added to their challenges, as they struggled to maintain discipline. Despite making multiple substitutions throughout the second half, including Enzo Le Fée, Patrick Roberts, and Wilson Isidor, Sunderland failed to find the breakthrough they needed. The late substitution of Marc Guiu Paz in the 80th minute was a last-ditch effort to salvage a point, but it was too little, too late.

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 lineup showed no major surprises, but the impact of substitutions was significant. Josh Laurent and Oliver Sonne came on in the 69th minute, followed by Loum Tchaouna and Joe Worrall in the 83rd minute, and Zian Flemming in the 86th minute, all contributing to maintaining the team's momentum and securing the win.

Sunderland opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Robin Roefs between the posts and a defense 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 in the 9th minute was a notable move, possibly to counter Burnley's early pressure. Further changes in the second half, including Enzo Le Fée, Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor, and Marc Guiu Paz, were attempts to inject new energy and ideas, but they did not yield the desired result.

Josh Cullen is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match for his outstanding performance against Sunderland. Scoring a crucial goal in the 47th minute, Cullen not only broke the deadlock but also provided an assist, created one big chance, and made one key pass. His contributions were pivotal in securing the victory for Burnley, demonstrating his importance to the team's success.

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 likely approach the upcoming match with a more aggressive and positive mindset, aiming to build on their recent success.

Sunderland find themselves in 7th place with 3 points following this defeat. They will face Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup next on August 26, 2025, at 18:45. This loss may prompt a reassessment of their tactics and approach, as they look to bounce back and secure a positive result in their next fixture.

Game Week 2

• Crystal Palace V Nottingham Forrest

• Everton V Brighton

• Fulham V Manchester United

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.