The English football club Burnley has repeatedly been the subject of sensational bets that have resulted in incredible payouts.
Analysts from the website https://winthere.org.uk/ offer a look back at the most profitable bets on this team.
A historic triumph: victory over Manchester United in 2009
One of the most high-profile cases involving bets on Burnley was the Premier League match on 19 August 2009, when Burnley hosted Manchester United at Turf Moor. It was Burnley's first season in the Premier League after a long hiatus, and few believed in their success against one of the giants of English football. Bookmakers offered odds of around 10.0 for a Burnley win.
The match began with Manchester United pressing hard. In the 5th minute, Wayne Rooney could have opened the scoring, but his shot went wide of the goal. Burnley, on the other hand, relied on counterattacks and tight defence. In the 19th minute, Robbie Blake decided to take a long shot from 25 metres: the ball flew into the top corner of Ben Foster's goal, causing a storm of emotion in the stands. In the second half, United increased the pressure: Michael Carrick shot from outside the penalty area, but Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen made an incredible save. In the 38th minute, United had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot, but Michael Owen was unable to beat Jensen, who once again became the hero. The result was a sensational 1-0 victory for Burnley.
One fan who bet £100 on Burnley to win at a British bookmaker won £1,000.
Comeback against Tottenham in 2015
Another memorable game that brought big winnings took place on 15 March 2015, when Burnley faced Tottenham at Turf Moor in the Premier League. Burnley were fighting for survival, while Tottenham, led by Mauricio Pochettino, were challenging for European places. Bookmakers gave Burnley odds of 4.5 to win.
The game started with Tottenham on the front foot. In the 10th minute, Harry Kane headed the ball just over the crossbar from a cross. Burnley responded in the 25th minute when Danny Ings finished off a cross from George Boyd to open the scoring. In the second half, Tottenham equalised thanks to a goal by Christian Eriksen in the 62nd minute, who shot from outside the penalty area. It seemed that the Spurs would take the initiative, but in the 79th minute, substitute Sam Vokes scored the winning goal after a corner kick, scoring with a precise header. The match ended with a score of 2-1 in favour of Burnley.
A bettor from Lancashire who bet £500 on Burnley to win received £2,250.
Unexpected draw with Chelsea in 2017
On 12 February 2017, Burnley hosted Chelsea at home in the Premier League. Chelsea, led by Antonio Conte, were on their way to the championship, and bookmakers gave odds of around 7.0 for a draw. Burnley, on the other hand, were considered clear underdogs.
The match began with a quick goal from Chelsea: in the 7th minute, Pedro Rodriguez scored in the far corner after a solo run, leaving Tom Heaton with no chance. Burnley did not give up and equalised in the 24th minute: Robbie Brady, who had just joined the team, took a magnificent free kick from 25 metres, sending the ball into the top corner of Thibaut Courtois' goal. In the second half, Chelsea dominated, creating several dangerous chances: Eden Hazard shot just wide of the post, and N'Golo Kante missed the target from a favourable position. Burnley held on, keeping the score at 1-1.
One player who bet £200 on a draw won £1,400.
Victory over Liverpool in 2021: the end of an era
On 21 January 2021, Burnley pulled off one of the biggest upsets by beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, ending their 68-game unbeaten run at home. Bookmakers offered odds of 8.0 on a Burnley win.
Liverpool had possession for most of the game but couldn't break through Burnley's defence. In the 43rd minute, Divock Origi hit the crossbar, and at the start of the second half, Sadio Mané failed to convert a one-on-one chance. Burnley patiently waited for their chance, and it came in the 83rd minute: after a foul by Alisson in the penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty, which Ashley Barnes confidently converted. The final score was 1-0 in favour of Burnley.
A bettor from Manchester who bet £300 on a Burnley win received £2,400.