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:
9. Jacob Bruun Larsen - 8/10
A constant threat all day. Dispatched his penalty with aplomb but also had a shot well saved and another well blocked. Photo: Matt McNulty
10. Wilson Odobert - 7/10
Had a quiet first-half, but played the ball into Fofana for Burnley’s second and also came close with a couple of chances himself. Photo: Jan Kruger
11. David Fofana - 8/10
Atoned for his two big misses with a clever finish for Burnley’s second. Always a nightmare for Brentford’s backline though with his energy and non-stop running. Photo: Matt McNulty
12. SUB: Zeki Amdouni - 5/10
For Bruun Larsen, 69Only lasted 20 minutes before being hauled off himself, having put Burnley under pressure late on. Gave the ball away too often. Photo: Jan Kruger