And so it was, Burnley’s month-long nationwide tour is over. In truth it was more “Spinal Tap” than “Led Zeppelin”, with the sequence of four consecutive away fixtures yielding only two points, and leaving frustrated Clarets' supporters still awaiting an inaugural away win.
Without the comfort blanket of being able to play at Turf Moor on alternate weeks, Burnley have for the first time this season, embarked on a run of poor results. The two points picked up on the road at Hull and yesterday at Sunderland, along with the one gained at home to Chelsea, represent the only three points Burnley have accrued in their last six Premier League games.
Including the FA Cup aberration against Lincoln, it now makes it seven outings since Burnley last won, against Leicester City at Turf Moor on January 31st.
No one is yet mentioning the “R word”, but it can’t be denied that these results represent relegation form and although Premier League security is only a matter of eight points away, Clarets' supporters will continue to glance nervously over their shoulders until those points are finally secured.
Sean Dyche and his players are soccer professionals, they know what they are doing and what still needs to be done. The Burnley manager and his players will certainly be mindful of not sleepwalking into a relegation crisis.
A previous healthy gap of ten points between Burnley and the bottom three has now been eroded to just eight points, a reversal which is not yet causing concern, but which undoubtedly needs serious attention from Dyche and his team.
Mauricio Pochettino’s rampaging Tottenham team are up next at Turf Moor following the international break. Spurs have traditionally found their visits to Turf Moor down the years to be uncomfortable, but living memory can recall few better Tottenham teams than this one, and playing ability usually trumps tradition and historical precedent.
Perhaps I am being overly critical, so allow me to redress the balance by congratulating the large number of players which Burnley will be sending away on international duty over the next week.
It should be, and it is a source of enormous pride that the club’s players are currently being recognised at international level in record numbers. It is a tacit acknowledgment of the progress the club has made under the managerial auspices and tutelage of Sean Dyche.
Burnley need to accrue another eight points and the progress the Clarets have recently made will be even further enhanced. The wait is almost killing me.
This article was written by long suffering uber Burnley fan Dave Thornley. Dave contributes his opinions on a regular basis on behalf of Clarets Mad.
Source: DSG
