Burnley's search for a first league win of the season goes on after a 1-1 Championship draw with Middlesbrough at Turf Moor. The Clarets, now 23rd in the table with just two points from four games, came from behind to earn a point but were booed off at half-time.
Ugo Raghouber's 54th-minute equaliser cancelled out Aidan Morris's first-half opener for the visitors. The result extends Burnley's difficult start to the campaign. Their recent form reads DLLD and they have conceded 10 goals while scoring only five, giving them a -5 goal difference. They are already eight points behind early leaders Swansea City.
Middlesbrough dominated the opening period and took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through Aidan Morris. The American midfielder, who has been at the club for over two years, later hit the post with a long-range drive just before the interval. Burnley created little in response and the home crowd voiced their frustration as the teams went in at the break.
Nicky Hayen's side improved after the interval and found their equaliser nine minutes into the second half. The goal changed the atmosphere inside Turf Moor. Middlesbrough still created opportunities, with Riley McGree missing from close range and Aaron Ramsey failing to convert with 12 minutes left. Chelsea loanee Dastan Satpayev also forced a save from Radek Vitek after twisting past defender Alfie Jones.
Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen acknowledged his team's initial struggles. "We started with good intentions in the first 10 minutes," Hayen said. "But then they scored the goal and then there was a certain fear in the team. We were dropping back."
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg felt his side were the better team. "We were the better team from my point of view and controlled things, playing good football," Hellberg stated. "We created a lot of chances, especially in the first half, and kept them to very few." He added that the performance was a big step forward for his team.
The single point leaves Burnley deep in the relegation zone. With a record of zero wins, two draws, and two losses, the pressure is mounting early in the season. Their next opportunity to change that comes quickly, with a home game against Bristol City scheduled for September 5th. Bristol City currently sit 6th in the table, making it another tough test for Hayen's men. Fans can plan ahead by viewing the club's fixtures.
The draw followed a difficult transfer deadline night for Burnley, who sold last season's leading scorer Zian Flemming to Ipswich Town for a reported £20 million. The club did not bring in a direct replacement for the Dutch attacker, leaving a noticeable gap in their attacking options. This lack of a proven goal threat was evident during periods of the match where they struggled to create clear chances. Supporters can review the current playing squad online.
Burnley must now regroup quickly for the visit of Bristol City, a match that takes place at Turf Moor on September 5th.
