Wieffer scores two as Brighton enhance Euro chances with victory over struggling Burnley

Even though Burnley were aware their drop to a lower division was nearly certain, they began aggressively, finding the net within the first 10 minutes when Jaidon Anthony fired a left footed shot into the distant corner.

Yet, a very close VAR review ruled that a minor portion of his shoulder was marginally offside.

This proved to be one of the rare chances for the Clarets, who quickly ended up in their familiar role of desperately defending, but apart from a miscued shot by Yankuba Minteh from close range, they appeared mostly secure.

This held true until Danny Welbeck, who was pursuing the strike required to match the club record for the most Premier League goals in one season, finally challenged Martin Dubravka. However, his attempt went directly at the Burnley goalkeeper, a shot that reflected the difficulties both teams were experiencing.

Still, the Seagulls breakthrough came right at half time, with some static Burnley defending permitting Mats Wieffer to slip into the box and finish Pascal Gross delivery cleanly.

Scott Parkers side at least emerged with fresh determination after the interval, and again saw promise denied by the officials, as Bashir Humphreys was offside after Bart Verbruggen dropped James Ward Prowses free kick right to him.

The momentum soon shifted back towards Brighton, with Dubravka making an excellent one handed stop to deflect Jack Hinshelwoods curling shot.

In general, Burnleys failure to regain footing stemmed less from lack of effort and more from insufficient skill, and even introducing another forward late on in Armando Broja made minimal difference to their offensive woes.

Consequently, Brighton faced little pressure in maintaining their lead to claim three points, which temporarily lifted them to eighth place and three points off sixth, adding a second goal in the final moments via Wieffer who converted from just beyond the box.

The loss alters nothing for Burnleys season end, which will likely be demotion barring wins in all remaining fixtures.