Highlights Video Shows Nick Pope's Performance May Have Saved Burnley From Relegation
Nick Pope put in a brilliant performance on Thursday night, as Burnley gave themselves a great chance of staying in the Premier League.
The relegation battle is going down to the last day, as Burnley and Leeds United are set to scrap it out to stay in England's top tier on Sunday.
It was nearly a three way battle, with Everton needing a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down on Thursday against Crystal Palace to confirm their status as a Premier League team.
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In the midlands though it was Burnley who were trying to climb out of that third relegation spot, as they faced Aston Villa away from home.
They earned a point, thanks to Ashley Barnes first half penalty and Emi Buendia's equaliser just minutes after the break, but it was Pope who had to be at his best to make sure they didn't lose.
The Burnley keeper made nine saves in the match, and some of his efforts particularly late in the game, were extremely important.
Are these the saves that keep Burnley in the Premier League? 👀🧤 pic.twitter.com/PIh8ntcpZL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2022
Barnes was full of praise for the keeper after, telling Sky Sports, "Popey’s kept us in the game tonight.
"He was outstanding and that’s why he’s there, that’s why we rely on him every week.
"Probably for the last five games, all season really, he’s kept us in games and lucky enough he’s done that tonight."
🎙️ "Popey has kept us in the game tonight."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2022
Ashley Barnes had nothing but praise for Nick Pope after yet another vital performance from the Burnley goalkeeper 👏 pic.twitter.com/TsMWcb01jD
The draw took Mike Jackson's team back out of the bottom three and above Leeds United on their far superior goal difference, heading into the final game of the season.
Burnley host Newcastle United on Sunday, whilst Jesse Marsch's team have to travel to Brentford, a team they haven't beaten away since 1950.
The Clarets only needs to match their rival's result in order to remain a Premier League team, something that didn't look likely when Sean Dyche was sacked last month.
However, things could have looked even better for the team from Lancashire if it weren't for Tyrone Mings, with the Villa defender arguably pulling off the 'save' of the match.
The centre back somehow managed to get across to block a shot from Wout Weghorst, when the striker looked certain to score a late winner.
A HUGE block from Tyrone Mings 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/sFSfmkA9oP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 19, 2022
Who will stay up on Sunday?
Topics: Premier League, Burnley, Aston Villa
Ryan Sidle