Burnley return to Premier League at first attempt with win over QPR

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:59 am
Burnley fans will be able to watch their team in the Premier League again next season.
Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Sam Vokes sealed Burnley's return to the Premier League at the first attempt with a brilliant headed winner against QPR, which kicked off a promotion party at Turf Moor.

Sean Dyche's side came into the match knowing that victory would guarantee them a top-two finish in the Championship, and the Wales international delivered a 1-0 victory in the 61st minute, rising highest to convert David Jones' free kick.

It seems clear that Clarets deserve to retake their place at the top table, and to earn the record-breaking riches that will follow next term, after they stretched their unbeaten run to 22 matches, a streak that dates back to Boxing Day.

They suffered a mild bout of stage fright in the first half but controlled the second, proving they are the division's most efficient outfit, loaded with grit, determination and pedigreed goal scorers.

Vokes saw a second goal chalked off for a foul with 10 minutes to go, moments after Matt Ingram's instinctive save denied the deserving Scott Arfield.

The margin may have been slim, but the team's second-half display was powerful, as Dyche's men refused to leave their fate unsettled for another match.

There had been no shortage of effort in the first half -- Joey Barton probed and pressed without luck, George Boyd was always available to take a pass and Arfield harried the visitors tirelessly in the channels.

But there was a palpable disconnect between the midfield and forwards Vokes and Andre Gray.

Gray has enjoyed a fine season, leading the division's scoring charts with 24, but after netting just once in his last five outings, he seemed short of conviction here.

His first decent chance, after good work by Barton and Vokes, ended with an air shot and a cry of frustration.

Vokes got a sight of the goal in the 22nd minute after Cole Kpekawa's soft clearance, but while the defender appeared to deflect the shot with his hand, referee Jonathan Moss let play continue.

QPR gradually picked up on a growing frustration and Burnley needed an alert Tom Heaton to keep the scores level.

Burnley's win on Monday secured their place in the Premier League next season.
Jan Kruger/Getty Images

But Burnley were back on the front foot after the interval, and the next time Vokes found himself in a scoring position, it was a different story.

The Welshman bested Nedum Onuoha to meet the free kick, conceded by Clint Hill and delivered with precision by Jones, and headed home with both placement and power for his 14th of the campaign.

The celebrations were gleeful on the field and in the stands, with just half an hour separating the Clarets from their Premier League dream.

Progress was not scare-free -- things seldom are in the Championship -- with Alejandro Faurlin rattling the post in the 69th minute with a 25-yard rocket.

When Moss blew his whistle to end the game, supporters poured onto a pitch that will again host top-flight football next season.