Burnley FC and SA fans flooded social media with reactions to Lyle Foster’s debut in the Premier League against defending champions Manchester City on Friday evening.
The game was played at Turf Moor Stadium in front of a capacity crowd of 21,752, with Bafana Bafana star Foster impressing on the night.
However, it was Erling Haaland who stole the show as he netted a brace as Man City opened their league campaign with a 3-0 away win. Rodri then scored the third goal for the 2023 UEFA Champions League holders.
Bafana star Foster was one of the Burnley attackers, playing on the left side in what was his first appearance in the Premier League.
The striker became the 17th South African player to play in the England topflight following the steps of Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune, Steven Pienaar and Percy Tau.
Foster joined Burnley in January 2022 from Belgian Pro League side Westerlo where he played 47 games, scoring 13 goals alongside nine assists.
The former Orlando Pirates striker had some goalscoring opportunities in the first half. His first effort was wide at goal, not troubling goalkeeper Ederson. Another Foster’s strike deflected as it ended as a corner kick.
FANS’ REACTION TO LYLE FOSTER PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT
“He was fantastic! Really showed strength and agility up top…MOTM was deserved!” tweeted PRF, responding to a post by TurfCast – Burnley FC Fan Channel asking fans their thoughts on Foster’s performance.
Another fan named Bongsta Mntolo also on Twitter added, “Really good. Our country’s product. I was impressed. Burnley will be a problem for a lot of teams this year.”
Thato Moloto believes Foster will improve as the season progresses, saying, “He looks like a different player. He was good. They will get better definitely.
“He is getting there, just that City was dominant for his entire team, but the boy is good, he at least had a goal on target!!!” said Motheo Lebogang.
“Our star! Played very well. We gonna have a great season,” Azwi Mawela added.
Mike Culshaw added, “Foster looked like he’s going g to have a great season. But we also need a shout-out for Al-dakhil at left-back. Did a great Job.”
On Facebook, a user by the name of Jonathan Ingham posted: “First time I’ll say this… Foster was one of the best on-field tonight.”
BURNLEY FC COACH KOMPANY HAPPY WITH FOSTER AND CO.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany was happy with Foster’s performance and the rest of the team.
“There were some good things in this performance, and I have to focus on that side of it against the best team in the world at the moment,” said Kompany.
“As I told the players after the first game in the Championship last season, I don’t want an emotional rollercoaster where you win one game, and you’re on a high. And If you lose one game, you think it’s dramatic.
“We have to progress again and work harder than every other team in the Premier League. That’s our job. Progress, progress, progress.”
Foster is expected to be in action for the Clarets when they face Aston Villa on 27 August.
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