Jamie Vardy scored his first goal for Burnley but it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 Championship defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Turf Moor. The 39-year-old striker's landmark strike gave the Clarets an early lead before Wolves fought back to claim all three points. This result, following a 2-2 draw with Charlton, leaves Burnley with a recent form of one win, two draws and two losses from their last five matches.
Vardy opened his account in the 20th minute, slotting home a precise through ball from Jacob Bruun Larsen past goalkeeper Jose Sa. The goal, his first since joining the club on a free transfer last month, gave Burnley a platform they could not hold. The defeat leaves Nicky Hayen's side 21st in the Championship with just eight points from their opening 11 games, a position that reflects their recent form of one win in their last five league matches. Their record of one win, five draws and five losses this season has yielded those eight points.
Wolves equalised six minutes before half-time. Sean Neave dispossessed Kyle Walker on the right flank and crossed for Fer López to finish. The winner arrived in the 72nd minute in cruel fashion. A misplaced touch from Burnley defender Igor Júlio presented the ball to Mateus Mane, who fed substitute Tawanda Chirewa. Chirewa, who had been on the pitch for just 21 seconds, fired his shot through goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert.
The result means Burnley's search for a first home league win in over a year continues. They have now conceded 21 goals this season while scoring 16, leaving them with a negative five goal difference.
Vardy's strike ensured he has scored in 20 consecutive seasons in his career. His remarkable run began with Stocksbridge Park Steels in 2006 and has taken him through non-league, a Premier League title with Leicester City, and a season in Serie A with Cremonese. His last Championship goal before Friday came for Leicester against Preston North End in April 2024.
For Burnley, the positive of a new striker finding the net is overshadowed by another setback. They must now regroup quickly for a key away fixture against Lincoln City on Saturday 24 October. Lincoln currently sit 18th, three places and three points above the Clarets in a tightly packed bottom half of the league table. The Clarets' recent results include a 4-0 win at Watford and draws with Derby and Wrexham, but they have taken just five points from the last fifteen available.
Background and full detail: Daily Mail Sport
