It had been 63 years since Burnley beat Huddersfield at Turf Moor and they failed to so today as the Terriers fought back from a goal down to share the points.
It didn’t take long before the hosts began to exploit the weary Huddersfield back line, who have conceded 13 goals in the opening eight games. The first chance fell to the hosts. A lovely Gudmunsson spin initiated the move, before he poked the ball to Westwood who delivered a good ball into the box. It was met by the head of Vokes, but saved well by Lossl.
Only ten minutes in and the visitors went close. Loewe’s deep corner was volleyed towards goal at the back post by Mooy, but his shot was blocked. The following corner was met by Hogg and was again volleyed over. A positive start for the visitors, but no goals.
Only minutes later the hosts needed a goal-saving block from Tarkowski to avoid going behind. Mooy stole the ball from Mee who squared it to Depoitre, but the defender got across superbly to block the effort.
Some could argue that, against the run of the play, the Clarets took the lead. A magnificent Gudmunsson cross was met by the climbing head of Vokes, who rose above the defender to dispatch the ball into the bottom corner. A third of the season for Sam Vokes, who has scored in his last two appearances.
The second half provided a similar display to the first, flurries of chances and action.
The first talking point was a Laurent Depoitre dive. He chased James Tarkowski for a loose ball in the area, took a fall from the challenge – which was a blatant dive and got booked. Wagner responded instantly by making a double substitution. Saac Mbenza and Steve Mounie replaced Van La Parra and Laurent Depoitre.
And minutes later, Huddersfield were level. Chris Lowe supplied the cross for Schindler, as he beat Ben Mee in the air to put the ball beyond Joe Hart. This goal was the Germans first in the Premier League, and the fourth for the visitors. Clearly a great double switch from Wagner.
Burnley looked to respond straight away. Christopher Schindler who just headed Town level at one end, was involved in the action at the other, as he headed off the line from point-blank range to keep his side from going behind.
In the final minutes of the game the Terriers piled on the pressure in hope of a first win. The home crowd urged the Clarets out of their own half, pinned in by the blue shirts, but they hadn’t been good enough in possession and struggled to clear the danger. But any a chance of a late winner for either side was nipped in the bud by the referee’s whistle.
Town came away from Turf Moor with a well-earned point, after coming from behind. Another good positive performance from David Wagner’s side.
Joe Hart shines for Burnley
The previous England goalkeeper showed again today why he was rated so highly. His recent performances for Burnley have been equally impressive, as he fills in for the injured Nick Pope. Hart was very good against Cardiff last week and seems to be emerging into this team well. With the possibility of playing for England again spurring Hart on, it seems to have upped his performances and has hoisted Burnley into 12th place, two points behind Manchester United.
David Wagner
The manager has been subject to some scrutiny this week, in claims that his side is inflexible. Which is possibly true; teams have figured out how Huddersfield play with their flat formation and their set-piece threat – they are not difficult opposition. But it is up to Wanger to introduce some inspiration to his side, and create some unpredictably otherwise they will just keep getting beaten.
Huddersfield on the up
After today’s showing, the Terriers will be hoping that performances like these are a sign of things to come. Still absent of their first win and rock bottom, their next three fixtures look tricky as they visit Anfield, then trips to Watford and Fulham loom. But Wanger should be confident, as he is pleased with the performances and how well they are playing.
Man of the Match: Gudmundsson
In a game that lacked real quality, he created the goal for Vokes with a wonderful cross and looked to be instrumental in the Burnley midfield. Another assist brings his total to five, an impressive start to the season.
