Cullen and Anthony fire Burnley past Sunderland for first Premier League win

Burnley picked up their first points of the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over fellow newcomers Sunderland at Turf Moor, Sport360NG reports.

Captain Josh Cullen broke the deadlock just after half-time, collecting a clever flick from Jaidon Anthony on the edge of the box before bending a low strike into the far corner. Anthony then sealed the win late on, racing clear from Cullen’s incisive pass to round the goalkeeper and slot home.

The Clarets had endured a tough start with a 3-0 defeat at Tottenham on the opening weekend, but Scott Parker’s side responded with a determined display in front of their home crowd.

Lyle Foster thought he had given the hosts the lead in the first half when he punished a defensive mix-up, but the effort was ruled out for a foul on Jenson Seelt in the build-up. Despite Burnley enjoying most of the possession, Sunderland created the clearer early opportunities. Martin Dubravka denied Eliezer Mayenda from close range after Dan Ballard’s header back across goal, before Chemsdine Talbi dragged a shot wide.

Burnley’s best moment before the break came when Anthony headed wide from Hannibal Mejbri’s cross. The momentum shifted in the second half as Cullen’s composed finish lifted the Clarets, although play was briefly halted by floodlight issues. Sunderland pressed for an equaliser but failed to seriously trouble Dubravka, and Anthony’s late strike killed off any hopes of a comeback.

Burnley perspective: relief and momentum

Given their struggles at Spurs, this fixture carried added importance for Burnley. Facing the side they finished well ahead of in last season’s Championship, it was viewed as a key opportunity to get off the mark. The win not only eases early-season nerves but also provides a foundation to build on, with Parker’s men showing more energy and clinical edge after the interval.

Sunderland perspective: early reality check

After their eye-catching 3-0 victory over West Ham on opening day, Sunderland came back down to earth. Mayenda’s missed chance inside four minutes proved costly, while the injury to Ballard further disrupted their plans. Beyond Talbi’s early effort, the Black Cats rarely looked threatening, managing just one attempt from inside the box after the 14th minute. With three points from two games, there is no cause for alarm, but Regis Le Bris’ side were reminded of the fine margins in the top flight, and the importance of making the most of chances.