Vydra stunner gives Burnley win at Southampton

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:17 am
Matej Vydra restored Burnley's lead over Southampton in the 60th minute of the teams' Premier League clash.
Mark Kerton/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

Matej Vydra's stunning second-half strike earned Burnley a 2-1 victory against Southampton to move them into the top half of the Premier League table on a wet and wild Saturday at St Mary's.

Vydra, who replaced injured Burnley striker Chris Wood midway through the first half, was largely anonymous before producing a dazzling finish on the hour.

It was a sickening blow for Southampton, who had looked the more likely winners after former Burnley player Danny Ings equalised in the 18th minute with his 15th league goal of the season.

Before that, Burnley had taken the lead in the second minute with a bizarre curled goal straight from a corner taken by Ashley Westwood.

Vydra won it when he chested the ball down on the edge of the area and edged it past a Southampton defender before stretching to crash a left-footed shot past keeper Alex McCarthy.

Burnley then hung on relatively comfortably as Southampton struggled to create much in a strengthening wind.

"I was waiting so long for this chance and just tried to do my best and help for three points," Vydra said. "I scored, so I'm happy for me and my mates. It was a brilliant goal, but most important is the three points."

A third win in their last four league games lifted Burnley into 10th place with 34 points from 26 games, while Southampton remained in 13th place on 31 points.