Burnley’s Lyle Foster’s 95th-minute heroics broke the hearts of a spirited Wolves side who had come back from two goals down in the first half, but a 3-2 defeat meant Vitor Pereira’s side remained the only unbeaten side in England’s top four division.
Burnley looked on course for victory thanks to two goals from Jeanne Fleming, but Jorgen Strand Larsen’s penalty and Marshall Munetsi’s header equalized just before half-time.
But with boos ringing around Molineux, Foster’s last-gasp victory secured a crucial three points for the Clarets.
At full-time, Wolves manager Pereira had to be dragged out after another defeat led to clashes between fans and players.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Vitor Pereira pulled out after Wolves defeat to Burnley due to disagreement with home fans
Burnley started the first half well, with Fleming’s early double thanks to a great assist from Clindsey Hartman. The opening goal was a beautifully cushioned volley from the Dutchman’s long probing ball, which was the goal of the day. Burnley’s confidence increased when Fleming easily scored his second goal after 30 minutes.
Josh Curren caught the back of Santiago Bueno’s heel and the Clarets’ resolute defense finally gave way, allowing Strand Larsen to score his first Premier League goal of the season in style.
Jean-Richner Bellegarde, who returned to the team from injury, was at the heart of the home side’s attack and it was his neat footwork and cross that produced the second goal. Ladislav Krejci’s volley from beyond the box was converted by a determined Mneci, ending a frenetic first half.
There were few chances for either team in the second period, other than a John Arias free-kick that rattled the bar, and both teams looked set to close the gap until the 95th minute when a sensational Hannibal through ball unlocked the Wolves defense and Foster slipped under Sam Johnstone to send the visiting fans into a frenzy.
But the game wasn’t over yet and Martin Dubravka had to pull off a diving save from Santiago Bueno with the final kick of the match for Scott Parker’s side to seal the points.
The result was met with boos from those around Molineux, and while Wolves remain bottom of the Premier League, Burnley achieved a valuable first away win, leaving them five points clear of the drop zone after Nottingham Forest lost to Bournemouth.
Pereira: “The team deserves the support of the fans”
Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira insists his side still deserve the support of their fans after a tense atmosphere between supporters and players after the final whistle after nine consecutive league games without a win.
Pereira told Sky Sports: “I can understand the frustration of the supporters, but it’s only in games where the players don’t work hard to get a result.”
“It’s frustrating, but the team deserves support.
“I’m doing my job. I’m trying my best to help the team. My heart is in the details to help the team and work tactically.
“We showed ambition to win the game, but at the end of the day this is football.”
Strand Larsen: we need to accept fans’ complaints
Wolves captain Jorgen Strand Larsen shared the fans’ frustration after his side lost 3-2 to Burnley at the last gasp, leaving them with six points to safety.
After getting into an altercation with a fan, Strand-Larsen told Sky Sports:
“Nothing happened. As a player sometimes you have to accept the complaints of the fans. You have to listen.
“I’ve been in this situation before. The only way to get out of this is to try to make some connections. I understand the frustration for me and my teammates.
“We are really sad at this moment. We were unlucky, but at the same time we weren’t good enough. We almost conceded a goal in the first half and it completely ruined the game.
“We’re not the same as last year. We’re trying to get back there as soon as possible. We just listened. Now we want to put it behind us and try to win the next game.”
Kara: Passion is growing.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher spoke about the altercation between Wolves players and some fans.
“Whether you win or lose, you should always show respect to your supporters by going to their side, but incidents like this are increasing now and all that happens within hours is the players apologizing on social media. “Wolves in the Carabao Cup. That was the case with Jarrod Bowen at West Ham in the defeat. Yes, players should go to the side, but they shouldn’t stay there for too long. Passions are running high among everyone, especially those in the stands, and that’s what leads to incidents like this.”
Parker: I deserved to be lucky this season.
Burnley manager Scott Parker praised his team’s efforts to stay in the game after the last-gasp victory.
“This ending is probably why we do this for this moment, a great ending to get the three points.
“It was disappointing to lose the lead at half-time even though we were leading by two points. We knew how difficult it was to come here and the stress Wolves were under.
“I thought we stayed in the game and qualified and really deserved it.
“I think throughout the season we’ve been robbed of a little bit of good fortune at moments, whether it’s losing at home to Liverpool on penalties or drawing against Manchester United, so today we deserved it.”
