A dramatic stoppage-time header from substitute Armando Broja snatched a 1-1 draw for Burnley at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, ending the Clarets' damaging run of seven consecutive Premier League defeats.
Bournemouth Dominance Finally Breaks Burnley Resistance
The match, played on Saturday 20 December 2025, followed a familiar pattern for much of the 90 minutes. Bournemouth, with former manager Scott Parker back in the opposition dugout for the first time since his 2022 sacking, dominated possession and created a host of chances. The Cherries' pressure finally told after 67 minutes when the in-form Antoine Semenyo curled a brilliant effort into the far corner for his eighth goal of the season, capitalising on a slip from Burnley's Josh Laurent.
Parker had been forced into six changes due to illness in the Burnley squad, with veteran defender Kyle Walker returning from suspension. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola made two alterations, one of which saw David Brooks start on the right. Brooks, Semenyo, and Justin Kluivert all went close in a first half where Burnley managed just 28% of the ball and offered almost no attacking threat.
Super-Subs Combine for Dramatic Late Twist
As the game entered added time, Bournemouth appeared set to secure a much-needed victory, having themselves failed to win in their previous seven outings. However, Burnley's second-half substitutes combined to steal a point. Marcus Edwards, who had also entered the fray after the break, delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post where fellow replacement Armando Broja rose highest to power home a header past the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
The goal sparked wild celebrations from the travelling Burnley support and secured a draw that, on the balance of play, his team had scarcely deserved, as Parker later admitted. The result leaves Bournemouth winless in eight matches, while Burnley will hope the character shown in fighting back can provide a platform to climb away from the relegation zone.
Key Match Facts and Aftermath
The late drama overshadowed what had been a frustrating afternoon for the home side. Bournemouth's early pressure was relentless, with Brooks twice going close and Semenyo a constant menace. Burnley's only notable first-half action saw former Cherries winger Jaidon Anthony have a goal correctly ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Iraola's decision to bring on Enes Unal and Junior Kroupi in the second half had initially paid dividends, leading to Semenyo's opener. But Parker's own changes, Edwards and Broja, ultimately proved decisive. The point, while not a victory, provides a crucial psychological boost for Burnley as they look to end a difficult first half of the season on a more positive note.
