The Clarets took full advantage of an early Brentford red card to record a big win in their fight against relegation.
The Bees were reduced to 10 men inside the opening 10 minutes when Sergio Reguilon denied Vitinho a clear goalscoring opportunity inside the box.
Jacob Bruun Larsen dispatched the resulting penalty before David Fofana settled Burnley’s nerves midway through the second-half to hand Burnley only their fourth win of the campaign.
Kristoffer Ajer did pull one back for the Bees late on to set up a nervy finish, but the Clarets held on much to Vincent Kompany’s relief.
Here’s how Burnley’s players rated:
5. Charlie Taylor - 7/10
Supported Bruun Larsen well down the left flank and provided plenty of good crosses into the Brentford box. Photo: Alex Livesey
6. Josh Cullen - 7/10
Provided the lovely cross that led to the Burnley incident. Always calm and composed in possession and kept hold of the ball well. Photo: Matt McNulty
7. Sander Berge - 7/10
Had plenty of touches of the ball and worked it from side to side well. Perhaps held onto the ball for a second too long on occasion. Photo: Jan Kruger
8. Vitinho - 7/10
Involved in a lot of the drama. Fouled for the penalty and made the superb recovery block seconds before Burnley’s second, having given the ball away from a corner. Photo: Matt McNulty