Thomas Frank Lives on the Edge as Spurs Escape Burnley at the Death

Burnley were left heartbroken once again as their wait for a Premier League victory stretched to 14 matches, a run not seen since 1970.

A thumping stoppage-time header from Cristian Romero rescued a point for Tottenham Hotspur, denying Scott Parker’s side a crucial three points in their battle to escape the relegation zone.

The opening 45 minutes ended level, but not without incident.

After a slow start, Spurs took the lead in the 38th minute when Micky van de Ven volleyed home following sustained pressure.

Burnley, however, responded just before the interval.

A sumptuous delivery from Kyle Walker caught the Spurs back line napping and allowed Axel Tuanzebe to equalise on the cusp of half-time.

The first half had been dominated by Tottenham possession, with Burnley largely restricted to pressing phases rather than clear chances. Armando Broja and Michael Edwards disrupted Spurs’ build-up, but Burnley managed just three shots before the break, only one of them on target.

Tottenham’s opener stemmed from pressure down the right, with Wilson Odobert forcing a save that led to the decisive corner.

Thomas Frank reshuffled at the interval, introducing Destiny Udogie in place of Pedro Porro. Both sides had early chances after the restart. Broja hesitated when clean through, allowing Van de Ven to recover, while Dominic Solanke headed straight at Martin Dúbravka after a fine Udogie delivery.

Burnley’s pressure grew as the half progressed. Parker turned to his bench, introducing Lyle Foster, a move that changed the complexion of the contest. With 15 minutes remaining, Jaidon Anthony drove into the area, committing Van de Ven before Foster followed up his saved effort to give the Clarets a deserved lead.

Tottenham were forced into desperate changes, with Mathys Tel and Archie Gray introduced in search of a response. Burnley looked the more assured side, pressing high and forcing Spurs into rushed possession. Dubravka produced a superb save to deny Tel, while Xavi Simons rattled the crossbar as Spurs grew increasingly frantic.

Just as Burnley seemed poised to finally claim three points, calamity struck. In stoppage time, Romero rose unmarked and powered a header into the roof of the net, silencing Turf Moor and salvaging a point for Tottenham.

The late equaliser leaves Burnley second-bottom, denied a first league win in 13 matches and still searching for momentum as they prepare to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham climb to 13th but remain winless in five league games, with attention now turning to a daunting run that includes Manchester City and a European trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.