Lyle Foster’s 95th-minute heroics for Burnley broke the hearts of a spirited Wolves side that came back from two goals down in the first half, as the 3-2 defeat condemned Vitor Pereira’s side to remain the only winless side in England’s top four divisions.
Burnley looked to be cruising to victory after two Zian Flemming goals until Jorgen Strand Larsen’s penalty and Marshall Munetsi’s header levelled terms just before half-time.
But Foster’s last-gasp winner secured three vital points for the Clarets as boos rang out around Molineux.
At full-time, Wolves boss Pereira had to be pulled away after fans and players clashed following another defeat.
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Vitor Pereira was pulled away after a disagreement with home fans post Wolves’ loss to Burnley
Burnley started the first half in fine fashion as Flemming’s early double came thanks to two gorgeous Quilindschy Hartman assists. The opener, a beautifully cushioned volley from the Dutchman’s long searching ball, was the goal of the day, and confidence was high for Burnley after Flemming tapped his second home easily after half an hour.
The Clarets’ resolute defence eventually gave way when Josh Cullen caught the back of Santiago Bueno’s heel, allowing Strand Larsen to convert his first Premier League goal of the season with aplomb.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, returning to the side after an injury, was at the centre of much of the home side’s attacking play, and it was his neat footwork and cross that created the second as Ladislav Krejci’s volley across the box was bundled home by a determined Munetsi to end a frantic first half.
Chances were few and far between for both sides in the second period, bar a Jon Arias free-kick that rattled the bar, and the point looked wrapped up for both sides until a sensational Hannibal through ball unlocked the Wolves defence and allowed Foster to slot under Sam Johnstone and send the travelling fans into a frenzy in the 95th minute.
The action wasn’t over yet, though, as Martin Dubravka had to make a diving save from Santiago Bueno with the last kick of the game to wrap up the points for Scott Parker’s side.
The result was greeted by boos all around Molineux, as Wolves stay rock-bottom of the Premier League, while Burnley pick up an invaluable first away win that takes them five points clear of the drop zone after Nottingham Forest’s loss to Bournemouth.
Pereira: Team deserves the fans’ support
Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira insists his team still deserved the support of the fans, after a ninth successive league game without a win saw tempers flare between supporters and players after the final whistle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Pereira said: “I understand the frustration of the supporters, but only if it’s a game that the players don’t work hard to get the result.
“It’s frustration, but the team deserves the support.
“I do my work – I do the best I can to help my team. My mind is in the details to help my team, to work tactically.
“We showed our ambition to win the game, but at the end of the day, this is football.”
Strand Larsen: We need to accept fans’ frustrations
Wolves captain Jorgen Strand Larsen shared the fans’ frustrations after Wolves’ last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Burnley left them six points adrift of safety.
Speaking to Sky Sports after an altercation with the fans, Strand Larsen said:
“Nothing happened. Sometimes as players you need to accept the fans’ frustrations – you need to listen.
“I’ve been in this before. The only way to get out of this is to try and create some kind of connection. I can understand the frustration with me, with my teammates.
“We’re really sad in this moment – we don’t have any luck, but at the same time we’re not good enough. We almost gave it away in the first half and completely ruined the game.
“We haven’t been the same as last year and we’re trying to get back there as soon as possible – it was just about listening. Now hopefully we can leave that and try and win the next game.”
Carra: Passions are running high
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher on the altercation between Wolves players and a section of fans:
“You should always show respect to the supporters by going over, win or lose, but incidents like these are happening more now and all that will happen in a couple of hours is that the players will apologise on social media. Jarrod Bowen did it for West Ham in the Carabao Cup defeat to Wolves. Yes, players should go over but don’t stay there too long. Passions are running high for everybody, especially people in the stands and that leads to incidents like this one.”
Parker: We deserved some luck this season
Burnley boss Scott Parker praised the efforts of his team to stay in the game after their last-gasp win:
“The ending is probably why we do this – for these moments. Massive ending for us to get three points.
“We were disappointed to let the lead slip at half-time after being two goals ahead. We knew the challenge of coming here – and the stress that Wolves were under.
“We stayed in the game, earned our moment, and I thought we deserved that really.
“Over the course of the season, I think we’ve been robbed of a little bit of luck in moments – whether that was Liverpool at home where we lose to a penalty, or Manchester United where we were holding a draw – so we deserved that today.”
