Burnley will be desperate to claim survival in the Premier League this season but have they learnt from their experiences of relegation?
How often do we see an impressive team storm the Championship only to be relegated the following season?
It is something Burnley have experienced themselves during their last two rises to the top tier but can they consolidate their Premier League status this season?
Burnely were relegated without a whimper during the 2014/15 season, finishing five points from safety in 19th but they stuck with manager Sean Dyche and reaped the rewards by securing a return to the top flight at their first attempt.
It is no easy task to stay in the Premier League but if Dyche and Burnley carefully studied their last experience and learnt the key lessons, they have a great chance of playing Premier League football again next season.
The advantage Burnley have is that they posses a talented young manager who is keen to learn and keen to succeed with the football club.
Dyche has shown his adaptive nature all to often in the past and that is why they are the favourites to stay up from the three promoted sides.
The Clarets got their second win of the season last night by beating a Watford side who have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign.
Dyche’s men took three points thanks to two set-piece goals but even Watford striker Troy Deeney praised their spirit and unique physical style of play.
In an interview published by BBC Sport, Deeney said: “Look at Michael Keane – he wanted it more than the other boys involved. We got bullied to a man all over the pitch and played right into their hands.”
Burnley have taken seven points from their opening six games, including a stunning home win over Liverpool earlier in the season. It took them 11 games to accumulate as many points in their last season in the Premier League.
The Lancashire-based club deserve a lot of credit for the way they have invested their money into the infrastructure of the club and kept faith in players but they will know better than anyone that financially, it is simply not affordable to become a ‘yo-yo club’ who bounces between the top two tiers.
There is a long way to go in this Premier League season but it is so-far-so-good for Burnley as they continue to make Turf Moor a fortress and continue to build on a solid start.
The gulf between the Football League and the Premier League is a dangerous crossing, but Burnley have a great chance of proving it can still be done.
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