Burnley manager Scott Parker hailed his team's resilience after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Armando Broja secured a crucial 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
A Dramatic Late Intervention
The match at the Vitality Stadium seemed destined to extend Burnley's miserable run of defeats to eight games. Antoine Semenyo's eighth goal of the season had put the hosts in front, and with the clock ticking down, Bournemouth appeared to be holding on for all three points.
However, in the 90th minute, Parker's substitutes combined to salvage a precious point. Marcus Edwards provided the crucial assist for fellow replacement Armando Broja, who fired home to make it 1-1 and spark wild celebrations from the travelling Clarets faithful.
Parker's Praise for the Fight
In his post-match comments, the Burnley boss was unequivocal about the importance of the result over performance, given his side's precarious position. "Certainly with the situation we've been in with the results we've had, that run we've been on, we needed to draw a line under it," Parker stated.
He emphasised the collective effort, particularly praising the impact from the bench. "I was really pleased for Armando and for Marcus getting the assist. It speaks volumes for the group that players who haven't really been around it too much did a really good job for us," he added.
Parker also pointed to a much-improved defensive display against a physically imposing Bournemouth side, acknowledging that sloppy goals had cost them previously this season.
Bournemouth's Frustration Mounts
For Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, it was a case of two points dropped. His team dominated possession and created the better chances but failed to capitalise, managing only one shot on target despite their control.
"It's frustrating because it's a game that we were not feeling the pressure from them," Iraola lamented. "We've had chances to kill it, we didn't kill it and these things can happen. It's cost us a lot now." The result extends Bournemouth's winless run in the league to eight matches.
Iraola also addressed speculation surrounding goal-scorer Antoine Semenyo, who has been linked with a January move. The manager was clear in his desire to keep the Ghanaian forward, calling him a "massive player for us" who contributes in numerous areas beyond just goals and assists.
The shared spoils leave both teams still deeply embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, with every point proving critical as the season approaches its midway point.
