Wolves came from behind to defeat Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor, extending the Clarets’ winless home run in the Championship to 21 games. Tawanda Chirewa’s late winner sealed the victory for the visitors, who climbed to sixth in the table.
Wolves ended Burnley’s 21-game winless home streak in the Championship with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor on Friday, as Tawanda Chirewa’s 72nd-minute strike proved decisive. The defeat left Burnley, who last won at home on October 18, 2025, languishing in 21st place, while Wolves moved up to sixth. The match marked the first time Wolves had secured an away league win against Burnley since 2009-10.
Vardy’s Early Lead and Wolves’ Comeback
Burnley took an early lead when 39-year-old Jamie Vardy scored his first goal for the club, finishing a 20th-minute chance with a low strike. The veteran striker’s effort, his first in English football since May 18, 2025, gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Vardy’s goal came after Burnley worked the ball down the left, with Jacob Bruun Larsen spinning to set up the 39-year-old, who ghosted between the centre-backs to fire past Wolves goalkeeper José Sá.
60’ A double change for Burnley 🔃🔛 Satpayev & Broja ⬇️ Vardy & Bruun Larsen
The goal came six minutes before the break when Walker gifted possession away near his own penalty area, and Sean Neave squared the ball for Lopez, who fired into the net via the inside of the left-hand post. Burnley’s goalkeeper, Grégoire Coudert, made a double save in the second half to deny Rafiki Said and Jackson Tchatchoua, but the visitors’ momentum shifted after the break.
The visitors’ persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Chirewa, introduced as a substitute, capitalised on a heavy touch from Burnley defender Igor Julio. Chirewa’s goal came just 21 seconds after his introduction, marking his first senior club goal. The sequence began when Mateus Mané pounced on Julio’s poor touch, threading a pass to Chirewa, who struck the ball past Coudert. The goal sent Wolves into a 2-1 lead, a margin they held to the final whistle.
72' | #BUR 1-1 #WOLDoyle and Chirewa on with under 20 to play. #BURWOL pic.twitter.com/JjqLScl52y
Burnley’s Longest Winless Streak in England’s Top Four Leagues
The defeat extended Burnley’s winless run at Turf Moor to 21 games, the longest in England’s top four leagues. The Clarets’ last home victory came in a Premier League match against Leeds on October 18, 2025, and they have since lost 11 games and drawn 10. Wolves’ win marked their first in three matches, lifting them to sixth place in the table. Sheffield Wednesday set a dismal English Football League record last season by going 23 consecutive games without a victory at Hillsborough.
The club’s struggling form has drawn criticism from fans, who have blamed the club for a poor start to the season. Despite the loss, Hayen insisted he would work hard every day
to turn things around. The Clarets remain just above the Championship relegation zone, with only superior goal difference keeping them out of the drop zone.
Chirewa’s Impact and the Road Ahead
Chirewa’s goal was his first senior club goal, and he described the victory as “amazing.” The 23-year-old Zimbabwean international, who came on in the 72nd minute, said, I’ve been waiting for my moment and today I’ve helped the team to win.
His substitute appearance underscored Wolves’ reliance on tactical changes, with the substitution of Chirewa proving pivotal. Chirewa’s impact was immediate, as he capitalised on a defensive lapse by Burnley, a pattern that had cost the hosts dearly throughout the match.
For Burnley, the defeat deepened their struggles, with Hayen facing increasing pressure. The club’s next fixtures will be critical in determining whether they can avoid relegation. Wolves, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum as they aim to climb higher in the Championship standings. The victory also highlighted Wolves’ resilience, as they overcame an injury crisis that saw Raul Jimenez and Adam Armstrong join the casualty list.
6️⃣ Six changes from midweek© Toti back and captains the side🏴 Neave leads the lineHow we line-up to face @BurnleyOfficial 📋 pic.twitter.com/5n2MbtBVCl
The match saw several key substitutions, including Mateus Mané replacing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in the 61st minute and Armando Broja coming on for Jamie Vardy. Burnley’s goalkeeper, Coudert, made crucial saves, including a double stop to deny Said and Tchatchoua. However, defensive errors proved costly, with Kyle Walker and Igor Julio both implicated in Wolves’ goals. Burnley’s hopes of a home win were dashed on Tuesday night as Ivan Mesik leveled the score for Charlton in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Wolves' victory also had an impact on the Championship race. The win lifted them to sixth place, level on points with Birmingham, QPR, and West Brom. Burnley, meanwhile, remained in the relegation battle, with their winless home streak now 21 games. The result highlighted the volatility of the Championship, where momentum can shift rapidly. For Wolves, the win marked a turning point after losing their previous two games.
The match also featured notable set-piece moments, including a free-kick from Fer Lopez that Coudert pushed away and a crossbar clearance by Bruun Larsen. Wolves’ improved second-half performance was attributed to Peixoto’s tactical adjustments, which included introducing Chirewa and Tommy Doyle. Doyle had a golden chance to add gloss to the scoreline late on, but Wolves held on for the win. The final whistle was met with boos from Burnley fans, who rang around Turf Moor.
More on Turf Moor
𝙂𝙊𝙊𝙊𝘼𝘼𝘼𝙇! ⚽️WOLVES ARE BACK ON TERMS – AND IT'S FER LÓPEZ AGAIN! 🤩The Spaniard had been very quiet so far this evening, but all he needed was a chance! Game on! 👊Latest: Burnley 1️⃣-1️⃣ Wolverhampton Wanderers.#TwitterClarets #WWFC
⏹️ FT: Burnley 1️⃣-2️⃣ Wolverhampton Wanderers.Goals either side of half-time from Fer López and Tawanda Chirewa seal a return to winning ways for Wolves! ✅#TwitterClarets #WWFC pic.twitter.com/z4UGRsIkAH