Birmingham City 1-1 Burnley: Blues come from behind to draw with Clarets
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Scott Hogan's sixth goal of the season was his first strike in six games since his match-winning hat-trick at West Brom
Burnley missed the chance to return to the top of the Championship as Birmingham City came from behind to earn a draw at St Andrew's.
Burnley substitute Johann Berg Gudmundsson looked to have won it for the Clarets when he curled home a left-foot shot from 20 yards just four minutes after coming on.
But Blues were only behind for six minutes before substitute George Hall scampered down the right and squared to the near post where Scott Hogan steered home left footed for a deserved equaliser.
Burnley, who have lost just once in 15 games under Vincent Kompany this season, slip to third, still behind local rivals Blackburn and new Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers after their 3-0 home win over Cardiff City.
But the Clarets have now won only three of their last eight matches, five of which have ended in 1-1 draws.
Blues climb a place to 14th, just four points shy of the play-offs, as they stretched their good run to just one defeat in eight games.
In a competitive first half, chances were at a premium.
Jay Rodriguez clipped the post for Burnley with a left-foot shot before Connor Roberts' follow-up effort was blocked, while Vitinho scooped over the bar from 12 yards.
But Auston Trusty and Hannibal Mejbri both headed just over for Blues, while Krystian Bielik blasted just wide and Hogan had a header blocked after the break.
Burnley sub Johann Berg Gudmundsson netted just four minutes after coming on
Blues were facing the prospect of a second goalless draw in three home games - and it looked like it might take something special to contrive a breakthrough.
It finally arrived when on-loan West Ham defender Emmanuel Longelo was caught in possession on the right corner of the 18-yard box by Gudmundsson, who cut inside before delivering a beautiful strike just inside John Ruddy's right post.
It was the first goal Blues had conceded at St Andrew's since August, and it was the Icelandic midfielder's first goal since February 2021, but John Eustace's men found just the right response - and the City boss had a super-sub of his own.
Just two minutes after coming on, Hall set up Hogan's sixth goal of the season - and that was just desserts for a fine display against the pre-season promotion favourites.
What's next?
Birmingham travel to second-placed Blackburn on Saturday, while Burnley are also on the road, at Sunderland, the same day.
Birmingham City manager John Eustace told BBC Sport:
"To play like we did against the best team in the league was very pleasing.
"We've got a great bunch here. No big time Charlies. Everyone's together, they work hard and they've got that desire to play for each other.
"George Hall's a fantastic young player. He came on and gave us that little spark - and a great finish by Scott Hogan. If you get him in the right positions, he'll score goals."
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany told BBC Sport:
"I'm disappointed with the manner in which we conceded the goal. We could be a bit more aggressive in terms of crosses coming in. And we had defended well all night until that moment.
"But it's a point gained against a team in form with good players and, in the months to come when we look back, this could look a very good point.
"I'm happy for Johann Berg Gudmundsson. I know what he's been through. You can end up in a dark place."