Troy Deeney wowed by ‘excellent’ Burnley player who holds key to Premier League survival
Burnley boosted their chances of avoiding relegation by earning a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Ange Postecoglou’s men took the lead through Neco Williams after just two minutes on 20 September, but the Clarets hit back through Jaidon Anthony’s equaliser.
Meanwhile, Burnley remain in a legal battle with Everton over the Toffees’ previous PSR breaches.
Thanks to their draw with Forest at Turf Moor, Scott Parker’s side currently sit one point above the relegation zone.
Burnley survival hinges on Martin Dubravka
After James Trafford joined Manchester City in the summer transfer window, replacement goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was left with a major task on his hands.
Trafford had a huge impact for Parker’s side last season, maintaining 29 clean sheets in 45 league appearances as the Lancashire club won promotion from the Championship.
But Burnley summer signing Dubravka performed well against Forest on 20 September, making seven saves.
The 36-year-old’s showing prompted Troy Deeney to name him in his Premier League team of the week.
Writing for BBC Sport about Dubravka, the former Watford striker said: “He’s really coming into his own. If Burnley are to stay up it will be because of him.
“Made four or five excellent saves to keep them in the game against Nottingham Forest and help them earn what could be an important point.”
Scott Parker needs Martin Dubravka to continue performing
Although Parker’s side made a decent account of themselves against Forest, Burnley’s win over Sunderland in August is the only victory they have managed in the Premier League.
| Burnley’s next three fixtures | Premier League |
| 27/09 | Manchester City (A) |
| 05/10 | Aston Villa (A) |
| 18/10 | Leeds (H) |
The Turf Moor outfit must earn their second victory of the top-flight campaign as soon as possible, as they vie to avoid an unwanted return to the Championship.
As alluded to by Deeney, Dubravka’s performances will be vital for the Clarets in their Premier League survival battle.
Up next, Burnley face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and they will need to be at their very best to avoid a defeat against Pep Guardiola’s men.
After their short trip to Manchester, though, Parker’s side have significantly more favourable fixtures against opponents like Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Wolves.
Both Villa and Wolves have failed to win in the Premier League so far this season, while Burnley will fancy their chances of beating fellow top-flight new boys Leeds.