There are reasons why Ashley Barnes has forged a reputation as the Premier League’s leading party pooper. The script suggested this would be about the striking debutants, about Jay Rodriguez’s return to his hometown club and meeting with his old employers, about Che Adams’s rise from the depths of non-league to the top flight. Barnes did not read it.Rodriguez was restricted to a cameo and although Adams nearly scored in the second minute, it was Barnes who delivered an eight-minute brace. Burnley’s record Premier League scorer delivered them a winning start in a manner to illustrate that, if he is their resident irritant, his nuisance value should not disguise his considerable quality. These were two fine finishes. Related: Graham Potter regime starts with impressive Brighton victory at Watford Continue readingreadfullarticle
