Highlights Video Shows Nick Pope's Performance May Have Saved Burnley From Relegation

Nick Pope put in a brilliant performance on Thursday night, as Burnley gave themselves a great chance of staying in the Premier League.

The relegation battle is going down to the last day, as Burnley and Leeds United are set to scrap it out to stay in England's top tier on Sunday.

It was nearly a three way battle, with Everton needing a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down on Thursday against Crystal Palace to confirm their status as a Premier League team.

In the midlands though it was Burnley who were trying to climb out of that third relegation spot, as they faced Aston Villa away from home.

They earned a point, thanks to Ashley Barnes first half penalty and Emi Buendia's equaliser just minutes after the break, but it was Pope who had to be at his best to make sure they didn't lose.

The Burnley keeper made nine saves in the match, and some of his efforts particularly late in the game, were extremely important.

Barnes was full of praise for the keeper after, telling Sky Sports, "Popey’s kept us in the game tonight.

"He was outstanding and that’s why he’s there, that’s why we rely on him every week.

"Probably for the last five games, all season really, he’s kept us in games and lucky enough he’s done that tonight."

The draw took Mike Jackson's team back out of the bottom three and above Leeds United on their far superior goal difference, heading into the final game of the season.

Burnley host Newcastle United on Sunday, whilst Jesse Marsch's team have to travel to Brentford, a team they haven't beaten away since 1950.

The Clarets only needs to match their rival's result in order to remain a Premier League team, something that didn't look likely when Sean Dyche was sacked last month.

However, things could have looked even better for the team from Lancashire if it weren't for Tyrone Mings, with the Villa defender arguably pulling off the 'save' of the match.

The centre back somehow managed to get across to block a shot from Wout Weghorst, when the striker looked certain to score a late winner.

Who will stay up on Sunday?

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Premier League, Burnley, Aston Villa

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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