Burnley

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Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.

Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.

"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.

We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.

They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.

We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.

It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.

Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.

It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Here are the key facts and figures before Burnley host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

• Burnley have won six of their past seven home league games against Nottingham Forest, but this is the first time they have hosted them since a 1-0 win in February 2016.

• Nottingham Forest are winless in their past six league games against Burnley (D4 L2) since a 2-0 home win in December 2012.

• Having won their final Premier League game in the 2009-10 (4-2 v Spurs) and 2014-15 (1-0 v Aston Villa) campaigns, Burnley have lost each of their past six matches on MD38 in the competition

• Nottingham Forest have not won their final league game in any of the past four seasons (D2 L2) since beating Bolton 1-0 in their 2018-19 Championship campaign.

We asked our Burnley fan contributor for their four player of the season choices and you can now vote for your top one.

Image source, Getty Images

Sander Berge

Sander came in at the start of the season and, despite a slow start getting used to his new role and team-mates, was easily the most consistent player throughout the course of our season.

Maxime Esteve

Since Esteve has come in he has definitely improved us at the back. I am delighted he will be with us in the Championship next season as he will be a literal brick wall in that league. He has been excellent since he came in and has committed zero errors leading to an opposition shot.

Wilson Odobert

This kid is special and I believe he is going to the top. He is still young and a little rough around the edges and his decision-making could be better, but all of that will come with age and experience. The 19-year-old came into the side after an injury to Luca Koleosho and he has since been one of our main threats going forward and created our most big chances this season.

Dara O'Shea

Now this one might raise a few eyebrows but hear me out. Yes, he has been frustrating at times and made a few mistakes, but I genuinely feel he has improved a lot as the season has gone on and he is actually decent when we are in possession of the ball. You must be doing something right when, as a defender, you have the second-highest goal contributions in the squad and the second-highest passing accuracy.

Honourable mentions

Jacob Bruun Larsen - Many will probably feel he should be in the top four as our leading goalscorer this season, but I think that says a lot more about our strikers than it does JBL. I would love to see him in the Championship with us next season. He can be a real handful, though I would just like to see more assists from the Dane.

Arijanet Muric - should never have been dropped and if he played over the course of the season I don't feel like we would have had such a bad one.

Josh Cullen - last season's player of the year who has not been trusted enough by the manager and who has improved us since getting regular minutes.

Lyle Foster - a stop-start season for Lyle because of his mental health struggles, but he started really well before his issues and we need to keep supporting him.

Luca Koleosho - missed the majority of the season because of a bad injury but he started superbly and, like Odobert, he has the ability to go to the very top.

Pick your 2023-24 Burnley player of the season from our shortlist here

Joe Redmond can be found at Turfcast, external

Theo Walcott expects Burnley to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Walcott, who was at relegated Southampton last season, says young players gain experience in a relegation season that will help push them on in future.

Walcott spoke to Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live. Watch a clip below or get the full show here.

Thank goodness that is all over with. It has been coming since around November, but the Clarets finally succumbed to relegation. They had to beat Tottenham away and they did not.

As has been the case all season, Burnley failed to punish a side who they could have beaten. A good friend of mine - a Spurs fan - had some painfully accurate observations about the game. I am grateful for his input this week.

It went a little like this: "A side that has lost four games in a row has a weakness at set pieces because they play a simple zonal marking scheme. Burnley get a corner and set their attacking players in static positions in the box, allowing the Spurs defence to play man-to-man. No one is on the keeper, and the corner is an out-swinger. Incredible."

With the game still at 1-1 and knowing we have to score to survive, we make not a single substitution until 72 minutes. And the player coming on is fan-favourite Manuel Benson, a key part of the Championship winning side who Kompany deemed just not good enough for the Premier League and who did not appear in the squad for most of the season. Yet, a player who is now the man capable of saving our season with just 18 minutes of play left.

Our goalkeeper receives a final warning from the referee for time wasting at a goal kick when we have to win to survive. And we are not winning.

Kompany has got so entrenched in his perfect system that he has perhaps convinced himself that if he can just get the players to implement it then all will be fine. Maybe, if he had come up to reassess that view at some point earlier in the season, we would not be playing in the Championship next year.

I have so many questions I need answers to from this wholly disappointing campaign.

Natalie Bromley can be found at No Nay Never podcast, external

We asked for your views on Saturday's match between between Tottenham and Burnley.

Here are some of your answers:

Tottenham fans

Daniel: Not the most convincing performance, but got the win in the end with our defenders doing the job of the attackers.

Andy: Yet again, majority possession only to be let down by an inept attack with Kulusevski and Johnson missing chance after chance. We need an upgrade on those players I mentioned if we are going to challenge for trophies.

Harry: I was at the match. It was a game of two halves. A nervy first with slow build ups from the back with the full-back distributing a lot of balls forward. The second half the midfield were able to open up their defence and created more chances.

Craig: You cannot escape the fact that it’s three points and a win, which after the four previous games is very welcome. But it wouldn’t be Tottenham without huffing, puffing and making hard work of beating a now-relegated team, at home. A total of 21 shots and we only score the winner with eight minutes to go, typical Tottenham.

Burnley fans

Francis: Today's game typified our season. Some nice play but a struggle in defence and up front. A frustrating season after the euphoria of last year, which was the best for years. This relegation will be good for us in the medium term.

Steven: A really good away performance just like quite a few this season. Berge was outstanding for a hour. Just hope we can keep most of this team together for next season as well as Kompany. In Vincent we trust!!

Keith: Usual Burnley. Played well, helped opposition to a goal and didn’t understand urgency of getting a winner.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Chris W asked: It seems to me that Vincent Kompany has largely escaped criticism for a very poor season at Burnley and a stubborn refusal to alter his approach. Would you agree with that?

Phil answered: Hello Chris. I wouldn’t say he has escaped criticism because I’ve said myself that he has been guilty of a failure to adapt to the Premier League, sticking to principles that were fine in the Championship but looked like trouble in the Premier League, especially over-playing. Principles should also have an element of pragmatism.

He kept faith with his style and also an inexperienced squad and it is clear he took too long to change goalkeeper James Trafford for Arijanet Muric. And let’s not forget, Burnley also spent a lot.

It does seem that Burnley will keep faith with Kompany who is the central figure at the club, in the hope he will bring them back up again next year. But he will come under increasing scrutiny after a poor season in which his methods (principles if you like) were found wanting.

His stock has certainly fallen.

Follow the rest of the Q&A

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Also, listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham United v Luton Town

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

Image source, Getty Images

Having won the Championship title at a canter last season, Burnley were hoping the dynamic and attacking style developed under Vincent Kompany would translate into success in the Premier League.

The top flight is a different beast, however, and the gulf has proved too big for the Clarets.

A young and inexperienced side has been punished by defensive mistakes and a failure to take the chances which they created.

This defeat at Spurs illustrated why they have gone straight back down to the Championship.

With all three promoted sides instantly relegated, questions have been asked about whether the gap between the two leagues is becoming untraversable.

Kompany says Burnley will keep trying to bridge it. If they do return to the Premier League under the Belgian, he hopes some of the harsh lessons learned this season will help them secure a longer stay next time.

Vincent Kompany, spoke to BBC Sport after Burnley's defeat against Tottenham: "I'm very lucky to be surrounded by good people, hardworking players, staff and fans who have backed the club for generations. That's who we try to do it for every weekend.

"Today the Premier League is over but tomorrow we start day one of doing everything we can to get back to the Premier League.

"The game has gone a bit like others have gone for us this season. We created chances but the one where we missed the final pass.

"I'm not here sulking and feeling sorry for us but if you take every game, every season as a learning experience, this is step we need to get into our game."

• Tottenham have rescued 25 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, their most in a campaign (previously 24 in 2010-11). Indeed, only Liverpool (28) have come from behind to win more points in the Premier League this term than Spurs.

• Since their debut Premier League campaign in 2009-10, no side has been relegated from the top-flight on more occasions than Burnley (4 times, level with Norwich), facing the drop in 2009-10, 2014-15, 2021-22 and now 2023-24.

• All three of Micky van de Ven’s Premier League goals for Tottenham this season have been winners, also netting against Luton in October and Nottingham Forest last month.

• Burnley have dropped 27 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, with only Brentford (30) losing more. Indeed, the Clarets have won just five of their 16 league games in which they’ve led this term (D6 L5).

• Tottenham have gone 1-0 down in each of their past five Premier League games, their longest such run since conceding first in seven consecutive league matches between October 2022 – January 2023.

• Five of Jacob Bruun Larsen’s six Premier League goals this season have put Burnley one goal in the lead, with each of his past four strikes being the opening goal of the game.

Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League after they could not secure a win at Tottenham which would have kept their hopes alive.

The Clarets, who knew a draw or defeat meant they would no longer be able to catch fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, took the lead when Jacob Bruun Larsen slid in a 25th-minute opener.

The joy among the travelling fans was tempered seven minutes later when Pedro Perro hammered in an equaliser.

After dominating the second half without finding a way through, Spurs were finally rewarded when defender Micky van de Ven burst forward and expertly slotted the winner into the bottom corner.

The draw would have done few favours for fifth-placed Tottenham, who needed a win to keep the pressure on Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League.

Were you at the ground or following along from home?

Spurs fans, give us your thoughts on the game.

Tell us what you made of the performance, Burnley supporters.

Follow all the reaction here

There are eight Premier League games taking place today, and you can stay updated with all of them via our live page.

Keep up with all the action and reaction here.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

From Burnley's perspective, the fact Nottingham Forest's points deduction was upheld means they are not down yet, but if they don't win here then they will be relegated.

It felt like the end for them after the Newcastle game last weekend and while they have not quite been given a reprieve, I suppose the good news is that they are still not out of it. They might even think this is a good time to play a Tottenham team who have lost four in a row.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will be concerned about his side's loss of form but this is the ideal fixture for them to bounce back. I would still say Spurs have a had a good season even if fourth place appears beyond them now, and they will have a point to prove here.

Serge's prediction: 2-0

It's win or bust for Burnley but I can't see Spurs dropping points here. Ange needs a performance - the Spurs fans are happy but the team needs to show them something for next season now.

Read all of the predictions here

Image source, PA Media

Vincent Kompany has rejected suggestions Burnley's game at Tottenham is "high pressure" this weekend.

The Clarets must win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and hope Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest to avoid an instant return to the Championship.

Despite the stakes, Kompany is insisting his team travel south intending to play with freedom.

"I wouldn't describe this game as high pressure for us," Kompany said. "I don't think we have anything to lose.

"If you go into this weekend protecting a two-point lead I can see how that's a different mindset. Perhaps I'd be trying to convince myself if I was saying there is no pressure at that moment, but in this case I genuinely believe it's all opportunity for us."

Tottenham have lost four in a row in the league, a run that has all but ended their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Should Burnley win, and Forest lose, Kompany's side would close the gap to two points before hosting the Reds on the final day of the season.

"I don't want to think about the Forest game right now," Kompany said. "I think of Spurs as our last game and if we give ourselves a final versus Forest, then that's a final.

"This is our last game of the regular season, and anything can happen on the final day of the season as you know."

Vincent Kompany has been speaking to the media before Burnley's trip to Tottenham on Saturday.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• On Nottingham Forest losing their appeal against their points deduction: "I didn't pay attention to it. Of course, I'm desperate for us to stay up but I've taught myself how to handle these situations by not paying too much attention to it. It's not something I could have affected anyway. The decision has been made."

• On the attacking nature of the Premier League in 2023-24: "I think this year [has been] a striker's league. You can rattle through and 80% of the teams are on the front foot and the strikers are having really big spaces [in which] to attack."

• He contrasted this statistic with his own team's struggle for goals: "We have to work hard for our goals. I think we've been constant in raising the amount of chances we've had this season. We know that we have to have players that improve during the season, not players who are ready to make 20 goals. I'd like the numbers to improve, but I'm willing to take the journey with them to get there."

• On Sander Berge winning the club's player of the season award: "His improvement puts a highlight on everybody else's improvement. In nearly every game he's been at the same level, if not at a better level than the midfielders we have faced. He belongs at this level and he's important for us in every game."

• On if he expects interest in the Norway international in the summer. "I haven't thought about it. I want him to get better to help Burnley - that's my role as the coach. Good players always attract interest so that wouldn't surprise me."

• Kompany confirmed Maxime Esteve is back in contention after illness meant he was replaced during last week's game against Newcastle. However, Luca Koleosho remains out of contention.

• He made the following comment about Burnley's on-loan striker Michael Obafemi being left out of Milwall's squad last week due to a 'disciplinary issue': "As a club, I don't think we're too pleased with the fact there was a big statement about it. We always have a duty of care for the players we have but I don't want to get involved in other club's affairs."

Image source, Getty Images

A lot of teams play their penultimate Premier League game of the season this weekend.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League. Aston Villa can finish no lower than fifth so will be in the Europa League at worst. Liverpool’s Europa Conference League place for winning the Carabao Cup reverts to the league and Sheffield United have been relegated.

But much is still to be decided.

Despite nobody being able to win the title just yet, here is what could happen...

Aston Villa can clinch the fourth and final Champions League place despite not playing until Monday:

• If Tottenham lose on Saturday, Villa qualify without kicking a ball;

• If Tottenham draw, Villa qualify if they draw with Liverpool on Monday;

• If Tottenham win, Villa qualify if they beat Liverpool.

Tottenham can ensure a top-five finish:

• If they win, Newcastle United lose and Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win.

Failing that, Spurs can ensure a top-six finish - Europa Conference League at worst:

• If they win AND Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win;

• If they win AND Newcastle lose AND one of Chelsea and Manchester United fail to win;

• If they draw AND Chelsea and Manchester United both lose.

The other two relegation places could also be settled this weekend.

Burnley will be relegated:

• If they fail to win at Tottenham on Saturday, whatever happens elsewhere;

• If Nottingham Forest win against Chelsea.

If Burnley win and Forest draw, the Clarets will be teetering and will need a huge swing in goal difference on the final day of the season when the two sides meet.

Luton Town are slightly better off than Burnley, but will be relegated:

• If they lose at West Ham AND Nottingham Forest avoid defeat;

• If they lose AND Burnley win, even if Forest lose;

• If they draw AND Forest win.

If Forest match Luton's result, the Hatters will be on the brink as they would need a big swing in goal difference on the final day.

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Tottenham and Burnley in the Premier League.

• Tottenham have won seven of their eight Premier League home games against Burnley and have won the past four without conceding. Only against Crystal Palace between 2015 and 2019 have they won five in a row at home and kept a clean sheet each time in the competition.

• Burnley have not won in their past 10 away league games against Tottenham since a 3-2 win at White Hart Lane in October 1974.

• Spurs have conceded four or more goals in four different Premier League games this season - most recently doing so more in 2013-14 (five). They have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 13 home league games - their longest streak since a run of 15 between December 2002 and September 2003.

• Failure to win for Burnley will see them relegated from the Premier League for the fourth time. The Clarets have lost all seven of their league games against sides starting the day in the top five this season by an aggregate score of 24-7.

• Tottenham’s Son Heung-min has been directly involved in eight goals in his past six Premier League games against Burnley (five goals, three assists). He scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture at Turf Moor in September.

• Burnley’s Arijanet Muric has the highest save percentage of any keeper in the Premier League this season (81.3%). Despite playing just eight games so far, he has also got the second highest goals prevented rate (seven).

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley have announced Castore will be the club's new kit supplier next season, replacing Umbro who have been designing the Clarets' kits since 2019.

The club has penned a "multi-year" contract with the brand, which will see the Manchester-based company supply training and playing kits for the men's, women's and academy teams.

Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: "As organisations we have similar values, the desire to push boundaries, a passion for innovation and a mission to make athletes better.

"Castore's philosophy of 'Better Never Stops' is perfectly aligned with our vision as a forever forward-thinking football club.

"With an esteemed portfolio of world-class athletes and brands from across the world of sport, I look forward to together developing a powerful partnership to build our brand globally and one that our fans can enjoy."

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest's unsuccessful appeal over their four-point deduction for breaking the Premier League's financial rules will be greeted with a few cheers in Lancashire.

Had Nuno Espirito Santo's side been given two points back, it would have mathematically confirmed Burnley's relegation back to the Championship.

Vincent Kompany's side were humbled 4-1 at home by Newcastle United on Saturday, severely denting their prospects of Premier League football next season by leaving them five points adrift of safety.

They will have been keeping an eye on developments at the City Ground. The Clarets now retain a glimmer of hope but will need results to go their way.

Burnley must win at Tottenham on Saturday and hope both Nottingham Forest (home to Chelsea) and Luton Town (away at West Ham) lose to take it to the final day of the season.

Kompany has asked for "one opportunity" in their bid to stay up and that would come at Turf Moor with everything to play for against... Forest!

Just imagine the scenes if Burnley were to pull off the greatest survival story the Premier League has seen.