Former Liverpool defender and football analyst Jim Beglin has questioned the defensive positioning of Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson following Burnley’s equaliser in Saturday night’s Premier League clash at Turf Moor.

Fulham had taken the lead through Emile Smith Rowe, but Burnley responded when Ugochukwu was played through on goal and calmly finished to restore parity for the hosts.

The goal, which briefly shifted momentum in Burnley’s favour, came from what Beglin described as a costly defensive lapse by the visitors.

Speaking during his commentary on the Premier League world feed, Beglin praised Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen for his intelligence and composure in the build-up to the goal. 

According to him, Cullen’s awareness and movement were key to unlocking Fulham’s defence.

“I think the home supporters were a little bit worried, where are we going? But, I think they are very happy with what they have just seen there,” he said. 

“I spoke earlier about {Josh} Cullen and the fact that he liked to get on things. Here he is again, so he started it off really by dropping deeper in defense and here he is with the returning pass to Ugochukwu.”

Beglin then turned his attention to Fulham’s back line, singling out Bassey and Robinson for allowing too much space.

“And Fulham are asking the question: how do we leave such a huge gap between us? Bassey and Robertson and it was exploited by Ugochukwu and beautifully taken,” he added. 

“Very cool on how he gets it away outside of his left foot in the corner and we got Burnley back on terms.”

Despite being involved in the defensive breakdown for Burnley’s goal, Bassey responded positively.

The Nigerian international rose highest to head home Fulham’s second goal, restoring his side’s advantage before the halftime break.

Fulham went on to secure a hard-fought 3–2 victory away from home, a welcome response after their disappointing home defeat to Crystal Palace last week.

Bassey, in particular, will take encouragement from his overall performance, having combined resilience at the back with a crucial attacking contribution. 

The centre-back is now expected to turn his focus to international duty, as he prepares to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

Adeyemi Adewale