Burnley have secured an immediate return to the Premier League after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium. The Clarets have been a class above the rest in the Championship this season, sealing promotion with a record seven games to spare. Manager Vincent Kompany will now be targeting the title, as they lead Sheffield United by 11 points before their meeting on Monday. The Turf Moor outfit were handed the chance to secure their return to the top-flight after third-placed Luton were held to a 0-0 draw away at promotion-chasing Millwall. All they needed to do was beat Boro away, who hadn’t tasted defeat at home since Michael Carrick was appointed on October 22. But they did just that, though they were made to work for the victory against high-flying Boro, who remain fourth in the table.
Ashley Barnes got Burnley off to the perfect start after breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute after tapping home from close range. Nathan Tella then spurned a huge chance to double the visitors’ lead shortly after, but the Southampton loanee pulled his shot just wide of the post. And they were made to rue that missed opportunity as ex-Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom equalised from the penalty spot just after the break. However, Burnley weren’t to be denied, as Wales international Conor Roberts restored his side’s lead in the 66th minute after sweeping home from six yards out. Boro pushed for an equaliser, but Burnley stood firm to hold out for the famous win to spark wild celebrations from the fans and players.
Goalscorer Barnes hinted that his time at Burnley will be coming to an end in the summer after nine years when his contract expires. Speaking to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, the 33-year-old said: “After a difficult last season to get relegated and bounce back by going straight back up is phenomenal. I’m a bit emotional because this is my end of an era here as a Burnley player. To do that and score that goal for these fans, to give that back to them – I am quite emotional. It’s on the club. It’s time to move on, it’s just one of those things. I’m delighted for all the staff and all the fans. The fans have been through some tough times last season and it was nice to give that back to them.”
A delighted Kompany, who has been linked with the vacant Tottenham job, remarked: “It hasn’t been easy. Days like today happen more than you think, we found a way it was not easy at all. But somehow this season we also ended up on the good end of the game. There is a belief in the team, and it is still a team that can improve and that is the exciting part. They’re like kids, they’re celebrating like kids and that’s great to see.”