Burnley kick-started their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 23, 2025. After opening the season with a heavy defeat to Tottenham, Scott Parker’s side responded in style, thanks to second-half goals from captain Josh Cullen and winger Jaidon Anthony.
Softfootball reported that the game had the feel of an early-season six-pointer, with both newly promoted clubs eager to make a statement. Sunderland actually started brighter, creating two golden chances inside the opening 20 minutes. Martin Dúbravka was forced into a superb reflex save to deny Eliezer Mayenda from close range, while Chemsdine Talbi clipped just wide with the goal gaping.
Burnley thought they had taken the lead shortly after when Lyle Foster smashed the ball under the bar, only for VAR to rule it out for a foul in the build-up. That set the tone for a frustrating first half, with chances wasted at both ends. Granit Xhaka fired wide from distance and Anthony spurned a headed opportunity just before the break.
It didn’t take long after the restart for Turf Moor to erupt. Just 98 seconds into the second half, Anthony cleverly flicked a pass into Cullen’s path, and the skipper made no mistake with a low finish into the bottom corner.
A brief floodlight failure caused a four-minute delay, but Burnley’s focus never wavered. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris threw on three substitutes in search of an equaliser, yet the Black Cats struggled to break down Burnley’s disciplined backline.
As the clock ticked down, the hosts sealed the win in style. Cullen turned provider, threading a perfect through ball for Anthony, who calmly rounded Robin Roefs before slotting home Burnley’s second in the 88th minute.
Burnley’s manager, Scott Parker, revealed in an interview posted by Burnley’s official X account that there was a lot of positivity from the result and wants the team to continue in this pattern.
Watch the video below:
The result not only gave Parker his first win as Burnley boss but also ensured all three promoted sides, Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds, have now picked up victories. For Sunderland, meanwhile, it was a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
