BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
Burnley FC are back in the Premier League! Can they stay around a little longer this time?
The little team that could are back in football’s biggest league. For the third time in eight seasons Burnley FC are back in the Premier League. The smallest city ever to feature in England’s top division Burnley are hoping that the third time will be the charm and the club will finally stick.
As opposed to previous times where the club came in through the League Championship playoffs, Burnley were promoted based on finishing first. The Clarets breezed through the Football League Championship earning their first title since the club captured the old Division three title back in 1982. Sean Dyche’s side were one of the most exciting sides in the League Championship last season, scoring a league-high 72 goals while allowing just 35 (second lowest in the league).
The question is now can these numbers translate to the next division? At least through four matches the answer seems to be yes. Despite a difficult loss to Swansea City in the season opener Burnley have pulled off quality results against Liverpool (2-0 win) and Hull City (1-1). This appears to be a side that is no longer a novice when it comes to Premier League football which should help this season.
So just what can Burnley supporters expect during this campaign? Let’s take a look at their three hopes and one fear find out!
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Burnley’s Sam Vokes applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Burnley and Hull City at Turf Moor on September 10, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Rich Linley/CameraSport via Getty Images)
Hope #1: That Sam Vokes can turn his Euro 2016 experience into a strong club campaign.
One of the feel good stories of the 2016 European Championship was the Wales national football team and forward Sam Vokes. Vokes was a workhorse for The Dragons in France and scored their third goal in their shock 3-1 victory over Belgium.
The Welsh international earned praise for his ability to help set up his teammates as a holding forward and by directly engaging an opponent’s center-backs. In an age where many strikers seem hesitant towards engaging in physical play Vokes seems to relish in it.
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The hope is that Vokes can turn this strong run of form with Wales into a quality season with Burnley in the Premier League. Vokes has certainly showed his scoring touch with Burnley in the Football League Championship. In Burnley’s two previous stays in the former second division Vokes scored 20 and 15 goals respectively. However, when Burnley made their last jump to the Premier League Vokes was held goalless.
The good news for Burnley supporters is that Vokes has already snapped his goalless mark in the Premier League with his third minute strike against Liverpool in the second minuted. If Vokes can make the next step as a striker then Burnley’s chances of staying up will be significantly improved.
Hope #2: That Andre Gray can make the jump to the Premier League.
Another Burnley striker with something to prove is Andre Gray. Gray led the Football League last season with 23 goals, playing a very pivotal role in getting Burnley back into the Premier League.
The 25-year old from Wolverhampton really came out of nowhere, having spent his professional career with clubs like Shrewsbury Town, Brentford, Luton Town, Hinckley Town, and AFC Telford United. Gray really has worked his way up through the lower levels of football and seems ready to make an impact in the Premier League.
So far so good for Gray. In just his second Premier League match against Liverpool Gray notched home Burnley’s second goal to pull off the upset. The goal itself perfectly showcases Gray’s skills as a striker. In the lead up to the goal you can see Gray finding space against the defenders which will later come in handy. Once he gets the ball the space he created is enough to get away from Liverpool’s back-line and hit a good shot from distance.
The acquisition of Steven Defour from Anderlecht should help in Gray and Vokes adjusting to the Premier League. Defour is very much an attacking midfielder and has very little trouble conceding opportunities to his teammates. Growing up and playing in the Belgian league gives him a great understanding as to how to press defenses from the center of the pitch.
For a side to stay up in the Premier League they need to be able to score goals. If Defour can continue to set up Vokes and Gray then Burnley should be fine.
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Tom Heaton of England makes a save during a training session at St. George’s Park on September 3, 2016 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images )
Hope #3: That Tom Heaton is one of the top English goalkeepers.
One of the names that popped up during call-ups for England’s national team roster last year was a bit of a shocker: Tom Heaton. For a team whose roster is a bit predictable the addition of Heaton over some more prominent names Heaton seemed like a bit of a reach. It is very rare for a player from Burnley to be called in the English national team was Martin Dobson in 1974.
But those who have watched Heaton know that he is the real deal. Last season, Dobson finished second in the League Championship with 22 clean sheets. He is one of the rare goalkeepers who is comfortable being patient in setting up plays but also getting physical when necessary. Especially in this era goalkeepers are either physically gifted or possess really good technical skills. Heaton possess both and has been an asset for Burnley over the past four seasons.
The sky is the limit for Heaton with the English national team. With Joe Hart’s hold on the starting spot tenuous and Fraser Forster never really showing that he can be a full-time starter Heaton has the chance to prove that he can be a regular for the England. A strong effort with Burnley this season would go a long way towards becoming a permanent fixture for country.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Andre Gray of Burnley battles with Dejan Lovren of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor on August 20, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
The big fear: That they do not have the depth to keep up with the rest of the Premier League.
Andre Gray, Sam Vokes, Steven Defour, and Tom Heaton are all very nice pieces for Sean Dyche. The problem is that is only four players. Looking at Burnley’s roster up and down the lack of depth is very apparent.
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Although the club made have a quality starting eleven beyond that there really isn’t much to rely on. The side is very young and inexperienced and those are two qualities that should cause a concern for Burnley supporters.
It is a common problem that smaller sides have coming into the Premier League. While they might be able to match up with the top sides on an odd appearance or two on an everyday basis it is a challenge. Can Burnley match up with Liverpool at home on seven days rest? Sure. But can they match up with Liverpool while playing four matches in sixteen days? Probably not.
If Dyche wants to stay up he is going to have to manage his side carefully. Featuring his top roster against Manchester City might not be the best idea if his club has a much more winnable game against Stoke City at home three days later. Gaming the system might not sound like the sexiest option but with limited resources one has to be careful how assets are used. Burnley have a chance to stay up this season; they are just going have to be smart about it.
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