Burnley still only have one point and one goal away from home this season after defeat at West Ham United but what did we learn about Sean Dyche’s side.
Mark Noble’s penalty on the stroke of half-time inflicted a sixth away defeat in all competitions on the Clarets.
Burnley dominated for long spells in the second half but could not make it pay as West Ham were forced to run down the clock to secure all three points.
The results leaves Dyche’s side in 13th place in the Premier League table on 17 points, but what did we really learn about them from the game at the London Stadium?
Burnley’s Tom Heaton
1) Goal would not have happened had Tom Heaton not been so honest
It seems honesty was not the best policy for the Clarets against West Ham.
In fact had England ‘keeper Tom Heaton not been so honest his side might well have earned a point.
When Cheikhou Kouyate went up to challenge Heaton he caught the Burnley shotstopper with a flailing arm.
But because Heaton did not react play continued and Winston Reid won the penalty which ultimately proved decisive.
Although the contact from Kouyate was glancing at best it was still enough to stop Heaton getting a proper purchase on his punch. Perhaps next time his manager will be advising him to play up to the referee for the sake of his team.
2) Vokes equaliser was stopped by dangerous high foot
If Heaton was too honest in that instance then striker Sam Vokes somehow outdid him late on with his side desperately chasing an equaliser.
Burnley’s best move of the game resulted in Vokes charging in with a simple header and the goal gaping.
Pedro Obiang did enough to put him off, though, and his header somehow went over the bar. It was a huge let off for the Hammers but Obiang’s foot was right up by Vokes’ head and had he gone down the Wales forward may well have got a penalty.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
3) Sean Dyche tactics nullifying some good ball players
Sean Dyche is honest enough to admit you work with what you’ve got and without the likes of Steven Defour he is forced to play the percentages and go long most of the time.
Against West Ham it was an obvious tactic and it did test the Hammers defence fully.
But it also negates what are some decent ball playing midfielders in the heart of the Clarets’ side with the likes of Ireland star Jeff Hendrick, Scott Arfield and George Boyd starved of the ball for long periods.
Had those players seen more of the ball they could well have hurt a West Ham side lacking confidence at their new home ground.
4) Burnley’s solid defence will keep them up
What stood out most in the game was just how good Burnley’s defensive unit and organisation is.
Dyche has found a fantastic blend and setup with Stephen Ward and Michael Keane the leading lights.
They may be on -11 goal difference but that is as much to do with their profligacy than anything else.
There are seven sides who have conceded more goals than Burnley this season and that bodes well for staying up come what May.
5) Andre Gray overawed by Olympic Stadium
Andre Gray is the man tasked with getting Burnley’s goals this season but he just hasn’t been delivering after a superb promotion-winning campaign last term.
Yes the Premier League is a big step up and there was the issue which saw the striker banned for four games for historical homophobic tweets.
But Gray looked somewhat overawed at the London Stadium and was completely bossed by West Ham centre back Winston Reid throughout.
He must rediscover the spark he had against Liverpool earlier this season or Burnley will be forced to go into the transfer market for reinforcements in January.
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