Burnley boss Sean Dyche attempted to put a positive spin on his sides' fifth away defeat in six Premier league games on the road in the current campaign. One solitary point earned at Old Trafford represents a shocking away points return and only the Clarets' home form is keeping them away from the bottom three and certain relegation.
Another disappointing Burnley away performance saw the Clarets lose 2-0 to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium yesterday to two first half strikes from the Potters' pair Jonathan Walters and Marc Muniesa.
Following consecutive defeats away at West Bromwich Albion and at home to Manchester City, Burnley made it three losses in a row but Sean Dyche remains remarkably upbeat.
Dyche said post match, “Generally I thought we looked effective, more like what we are. There are no guarantees you'll get results - I'm not too worried about the idea you haven't won away, because it's a tough division, and look how Stoke have moved on and some of the players they've brought in, and the level of finance they've used. They're no mugs."
There are no "mugs" in the Premier League as far as I am concerned but Burnley's inability to get to grips with opposing teams on their home patch is becoming an ever increasing concern. Conceding goals at nearly three a game on the road represents a serious problem for the Clarets and is undermining all of the good work at Turf Moor. Four home wins is all that is so far keeping the Clarets' head above water as they strive to maintain their hard earned Premier League status.
It can be argued the rub of the green certainly does not seem to go the way of the Clarets. A clear handball by Muniesa from Arfield's first half shot was not spotted by match referee Mark Clattenburg and an obvious penalty was not given.
The same player hauled back Andre Gray when the Burnley striker was clear through on goal, Clattenburg opted for the easy option and awarded a yellow card when a red card and a sending off was the correct judgement.
Burnley though remain largely impotent in attack on the road and pose no real goal threat to opposing defences. One single goal from six away games equates to a paltry point tally.
Sean Dyche's Clarets are undeniably a hard working and well organised outfit but the demands of the Premier League are such that genuine quality will always beat plain endeavour.
Burnley's record signing Steven Defour, perhaps the most creative player in the Burnley squad was surprisingly left out of the Clarets' starting eleven at the Britannia Stadium whilst Dyche reshuffled his pack in an attempt to yield a return for effort.
Effort alone will not suffice in the top flight of English football. Burnley either need to "park the bus" on their travels and make it as difficult as possible for opposing teams or go "toe to toe" and engage in open play and go for broke.
At the moment the Clarets seem to be stuck in no-man's land and are easy pickings for the cream of the Premier League on their home turf.
Burnley's inability to pick up points on the road despite the optimism of Sean Dyche, is seriously jeopardising their hope of retaining their place at the top table of English football. (TEC).
Source: DSG
