Seagulls downed - Dave's take on proceedings...

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Clarets Mad regular Burnley watcher Dave Thornley realised that the Clarets recent performances had hinted that a badly needed second victory of this relegation threatened season was a not too distant a dream on the footballing horizon. What was surprising therefore about the Clarets’ 3-0 victory at Brighton’s AMEX Stadium yesterday afternoon, was not the fact that it happened but rather the comfortable manner in which it was achieved.

In previous games, not least in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, Burnley have sought to sit tight and defend a lead, only to come unstuck as the game progressed. It was especially gratifying therefore to see Burnley play yesterday with the hand-break off and to continue to press and create chances throughout. There is no doubt that this was a desperately needed victory and one which may yet prove to be too late in arriving, but the signs were there that Burnley are becoming a more cohesive unit and posing a greater goal threat as a consequence.

There is no doubt too that the arrival of Wout Weghorst has had an invigorating effect, not only on the team but on the club as a whole. Brought in to replace the departing Chris Wood, the Dutch striker has, in the few games he has played for the Clarets, shown a touch and awareness that Wood, for all his many qualities, simply doesn’t possess.

The only thing that was missing was a goal. Right on cue after twenty-one minutes of yesterday’s match it duly arrived. Neat work down the right-hand side by the rejuvenated Aaron Lennon in combination with Conor Roberts who had previously rattled the cross bar with a left footed sweep shot, opened up a crossing opportunity for the Welsh full back. Roberts looked up and provided the perfect pass for Weghorst to finish emphatically at the near post by hammering the ball past Sanchez in the Brighton goal.

By the end of a first half which Burnley had dominated, they were two up. Weghorst again, this time holding the ball up before releasing Josh Brownhill whose shot found the back of the net via a deflection. Brownhill too has been in good form recently, he needs to add more goals to his game if he is to develop into the high-class midfielder, we all hope he can become, so it was particularly pleasing to see his name on the scoresheet. Brighton could muster little in response beyond an easily saved Shane Duffy shot and it was no surprise to see Burnley conclude their best performance of the season with a third goal.

Weghorst, naturally was involved, combining with substitute Jay Rodriguez, who held off a challenge from a Brighton defender before slipping the ball to Lennon, who rounded off a slick move with a precision finish into the top corner. The only downside of Burnley’s day out on the storm-lashed South Coast was the sight of Maxwel Cornet limping from the field after picking up a nasty knock. He will be back, as will his form, which has seemingly deserted since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Performances such as the one Burnley put in yesterday, and the points which go with them have been too few and far between this season. It must be hoped that it is not a flash in the pan, but a pre-cursor to better times ahead. The Clarets superior goal difference in comparison to the teams around Burnley received a major shot in the arm yesterday; dare we now dream that we can see off Conte’s Tottenham on Wednesday evening?

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[Swissclaret]

Unfortunately, Kane has found his scoring boots at the wrong time. Spurs looked good against Man City. A draw will be a bonus point. If we can stop them playing, get an early goal, we could upset the odds and get another three points. Hopefully we won’t let Son have the freedom of the pitch and stop him in his tracks.

[Norder]

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thanks Dave....more interesting as didn't see the game, but did enjoy seeing GOALS - though I did hear it gulls worst performance this season....lucky for us !


but then there's many a sides numbers...that I wouldn't consider - Premier.




Game over ?....far from it !

[kritichris]

Looking at the last 6 games Brentforn and Everton look like favourites to go down but can't see it happening to the Toffees. Newcastle look sound now.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

IF our current form continues to reflect Norder's recent form table, I reckon we might just pull this Great Escape off!

I'll scramble the motor bike to start leaping fences.

[sinkov]

The teams above Watford and Norwich are operating on just under a point a game, they're heading for 35/36 points at the end of the season. While our GD could be worth a point, we're still going to need at least 18/19 points from our last 16 games, that sort of return would see you just below halfway in a normal season. Can we turn ourselves into a midtable team for the rest of the season ?

Not impossible.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

The teams above Watford and Norwich are operating on just under a point a game, they're heading for 35/36 points at the end of the season. While our GD could be worth a point, we're still going to need at least 18/19 points from our last 16 games, that sort of return would see you just below halfway in a normal season. Can we turn ourselves into a midtable team for the rest of the season ?

Not impossible.

Indeed mon ami and we have form for doing just that too! Dare to dream?

[kritichris]

If we avoid the drop it will be on a par with Leicester's great escape under Pearson, by April they had only won 4 matches all season after being bottom at Christmas then won four on the bounce. That's what we need.

[sinkov]

If we avoid the drop it will be on a par with Leicester's great escape under Pearson, by April they had only won 4 matches all season after being bottom at Christmas then won four on the bounce. That's what we need.

That one truly was remarkable Chris, and I thought he deserved more credit for Leicester winning the league, he set Ranieri up for it imo, and it was why I always used to say Nigel Pearson, when asked who our next manager should be. Not sure I would now though, the magic seems to have worn off, and trouble does seem to find him too easily.