Burnley owners complete acquisition of Espanyol stakepublished at 12:43 BST 9 October
12:43 BST 9 October
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley's owners have completed the purchase of a majority stake in Spanish club Espanyol.
It was confirmed in July that a deal had been agreed and on Thursday, Velocity Sports Partners, led by Clarets chairman Alan Pace, announced the acquisition following an extensive period of due diligence.
In a statement, Pace said: "Our role is not to replace legacy but to build upon it, with care, with clarity and with purpose.
"This is not about ownership; it's about stewardship. Burnley will remain Burnley. Espanyol will remain Espanyol.
"Each club will retain its own leadership, identity, independence and decision-making, run by its own people, for its own supporters."
Velocity Sport Limited, the sports investment arm of ALK Capital, took over Burnley in December 2020.
The Clarets are 18th in the Premier League in their first season back in England's top division, while Espanyol are currently ninth in the Spanish top flight.
Is it time to put the back five idea to bed?published at 09:21 BST 7 October
09:21 BST 7 October
Natalie Bromley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Scott Parker's experiment with five at the back was a nice idea - and I get why it was appealing against some of the stronger sides in the league - but it's time to put it to bed.
It's not stopping the goals from going in and it's having a more fundamental impact on our own game.
The first is the level to which our midfield is left exposed when teams seek to counter us. The opening goal for Donyell Malen at Villa Park was a beautiful illustration of this, when Boubacar Kamara by-passed the entire Burnley team with one pass! Would that pass still have happened with more claret shirts beefing up midfield? Perhaps. But there is certainly plenty of space for teams to create the opportunities they need to score.
The second was probably more evident in previous games, particularly against Manchester United and Liverpool, than at Aston Villa, but it's the lack of opportunities we can create when we counter. Too often, we're left with no threat in the final third, and promising balls fritter away to nothing.
Not to mention the fact that we've got one of the best right-backs the Premier League has ever seen in Kyle Walker, and I'm not entirely sure we're getting the best out of him.
We've had some really hard fixtures in these opening seven games, but the Clarets have to start getting some points on the board. Perhaps a tweak in formation is the key to unlocking that?
Chris: Great to see Donyell Malen and Ollie Watkins working together and goals coming now, still a bit wobbly and fragile towards the end. But heading up in the table and confidence returning to team and a couple of the players.
Tony: Clearly Malen was the star and overall a good result, but we're still nowhere near as fluid or balanced as last season and we've yet to be tested by a top side. Heading in the right direction and cautiously optimistic about the future - unlike two weeks ago!
Mossy: Much improved, but let Burnley back in with very poor concentration on their goal. Much harder tests await next with Spurs, Man City and Liverpool. They will really show us where we are. Don't understand why Harvey Elliot isn't getting a look in, not even off the bench. Really don't want to waste his time. Great finishing from Malen but just wish Rogers could get a goal or two for his confidence. UTV!
Andrew: Three wins in seven days. Not a bad effort for a team still getting up to speed. Malen looked very useful.
Burnley fans
Terry: Two good strikes from Villa - apart from that not much else. Need to sort out the defence which was our strength last year. Burnley need more bite up front.
Anthony: I'm not convinced this Burnley team has enough to stay up. We're competitive in most games but don't have the firepower to kill teams off. Have we a striker that can score 10-15? Nope. Martin Dubravka has been one of our best player so far this season - that says it all for me.
Graham: Competetent but uninspiring. Burnley started quite aggressively but plateaued after the first Villa goal and showed little threat until too late. We displayed our long-standing weakness - no great forward threat, and, after Jaidon Anthony went off, the little threat we showed reduced until the final 20 minutes. Armando Broja was brought in to solve the problem but shows little to inspire. His one chance, though offside, was completely missed. Hannibal, though at times frenetic, does bring some much needed urgency and drive but he remained an unused substitute.
Burnley analysis: Deja vu for Claretspublished at 16:43 BST 5 October
16:43 BST 5 October
Matthew Howarth BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley fans can be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu as they flocked out of Villa Park.
Scott Parker's team, who have competed well during games against Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City this season, found themselves in some excellent attacking positions in the first half in particular.
Quilindschy Hartman was denied by Emiliano Martinez in a one v one situation, but was deemed to be offside from Kyle Walker's pass, while Josh Cullen was thwarted by an excellent stop from the Villa keeper.
But the visitors were carved open far too easily for the opening goal, with Boubacar Kamara given time and space to thread a lovely pass in behind Burnley's back five for Donyell Malen to run on to and open the scoring.
After Lesley Ugochukwu had halved the deficit late in the second half, striker Armando Broja failed to make proper contact with a stoppage-time effort, but was offside anyway.
It meant Burnley are still pointless in four away games since their top-flight return and have crucial games against Leeds and Wolves - who are two points below them in bottom spot - to follow after the international break.
Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley: What Parker saidpublished at 16:41 BST 5 October
16:41 BST 5 October
Media caption,
Burnley manager Scott Parker speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat to Aston Villa: "We were competitive, the second goal was poor from us. It's a young team and I think over the first seven games we have switched off at times. If you switch off for one second here you get punished.
On the defensive line: "It's another brand new team, it is a brand new defensive line and we are working tirelessly with that. We have switched off in certain moments and looked a bit young.
"There is frustration there because we have been really close. Perspective is something that I live by. We understand the challenge. We need to improve in certain areas and we will endeavour to do that."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Brighton", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Aston Villa v Burnleypublished at 10:01 BST 5 October
10:01 BST 5 October
Aston Villa took a while to get going against Fulham but it was great movement by Ollie Watkins for his goal, and he needed that.
That was their first league win of the season, but I am not convinced Unai Emery's side will kick on from there. They beat Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday and their squad is going to be stretched.
The more I think about it, the more I quite fancy Burnley for a draw here.
To lose 5-1 last week was harsh on them, and they had frustrated Manchester City for a long time, the same as they did when they were beaten by Liverpool, and that is likely to be their gameplan here too.
My heart says Villa will win because of my time there - I almost reached double figures in appearances - but my head says Burnley, and this time, I am going to listen.
Aston Villa v Burnley: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:50 BST 4 October
12:50 BST 4 October
Noel Sliney BBC Sport senior journalist
The original team in claret and blue host a side with whom they have more than club colours in common so far this season. BBC Sport delves into the issues facing both teams before Sunday's meeting.
While promoted Burnley's place in the bottom three is no great surprise and can be mitigated by the fact their four defeats have all come against heavyweight opponents with vast resources, Aston Villa's slow start was not widely predicted.
Data analysts Opta calculated that Villa had the easiest opening five fixtures in the division - yet their first win didn't come until the sixth attempt, at home to an obliging Fulham last Sunday. An improved performance in that game, sandwiched between Europa League victories against Bologna and Feyenoord, suggests Villa are starting to snap out of their torpor.
Nonetheless, their attacking shortcomings are clear. Burnley copied Villa's club colours in 1910 and are mirroring the same issues as the Birmingham side on the pitch so far this season.
These are the two sides with the lowest expected goals (xG) tallies in the Premier League this season. Burnley's xG, a measure of how many goals a team is expected to score based on the quality of their chances, is 4.53. They have actually outperformed that, scoring six goals, but have had the joint fewest shots and shots on target in the division.
Villa have underperformed their xG by near-enough one goal in the league. More tellingly, they have only had a single shot which had more than a 50% probability of ending in the back of the net. It is not just Villa's forwards to blame either - their strangely passive build-up play in many games means they take 63.2 touches between shots on average, more than any other side.
Burnley manager Scott Parker admitted "our egos are dented" as a result of last weekend's 5-1 defeat by Manchester City, though he was "immensely proud" of his side's performance until the hour mark, when they were still level.
Nonetheless, the Clarets have lost all three away games this season, conceding 11 goals. They only let in eight goals in 23 Championship away fixtures in 2024-25.
Earning their first away points on Sunday will be a huge challenge, notwithstanding Villa's fragile confidence. Unai Emery's side have only lost once at home in the Premier League since the start of September last year – a record only Liverpool can match - and have the fourth highest points tally at home during that period.
Parker on 'perspective', in-form Anthony and 'constant belief'published at 15:39 BST 3 October
15:39 BST 3 October
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Parker feels there is "plenty to be positive" about from their start, but also plenty to "improve and get better". He said: "Perspective has to come into play in terms of the level we have played against."
On whether their next set of games looks more favourable: "We hope so. There isn't an easy game in the best and most competitive division in the world. We need to understand and approach every game with same outlook as these past ones. We have brought large elements to our game that have been hugely important and made us competitive."
The Clarets boss praised in-form Jaidon Anthony, who has scored four goals in six games: "I believe he is a Premier League football player and you are seeing that now. He has not had a long period in the division and it had been stop start. He has the opportunity and he is grabbing that."
On Anthony he added: "Unbelievable character. Diligent. Hugely professional. Always wants to improve. His raw ability added to that is what we all see. It gives him massive chances and you see it in his performances at the moment."
On having to work on the defensive aspect, despite having a record-breaking defence last season: "Large element to what we do is to give ourselves a rock-solid base. It is a new squad too and a whole different back unit to last year. We are having to drill and educate and give ourselves that. The level goes up, you get more stressed in this division. It is a clinical league and you cant lose any focus for a moment otherwise you get punished."
Parker said he has spoken to his team about the need for "constant belief" and added: "It needs to be a mainstay for us."
On if it is a good time to play Aston Villa after a European game: "I will probably tell you after the game. They are coming off a couple of good results. They are coached by a top manager and are a top team. We saw last year what we are up against and Villa Park is a tough place. We need to bring our game to Villa to make it tough for them."
Premier League set to decide on PSR alternativepublished at 06:21 BST 3 October
06:21 BST 3 October
Dan Roan Sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
A decision on whether to scrap the Premier League's controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and adopt an "alternative system" is "coming up", says chief executive Richard Masters.
The current regulations, introduced in 2015-16 to prevent clubs from overspending, allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.
However, they have been criticised by several top-flight teams for limiting their ability to invest.
BBC Sport has been told a decision on any changes is likely to be made at a meeting in November.
In February, clubs chose to continue with PSR for the current season.
However a squad cost ratio (SCR) system of financial control was adopted by the Premier League on a shadowing, non-binding basis.
SCR is similar to Uefa's existing financial rules and allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.
Nine of the league's 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa's SCR as a result of qualifying for Europe. Both Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the rules.
Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."
He added: "It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is squad cost ratio, which is a revenue test. In Uefa, it's now set at 70%. Our system will be 85% because we always want our clubs to have the ability to invest.
"The Premier League has been built on the back of investment in which international capital flows [are] coming in. We don't want that to be to be stifled off."
'Parker handled the defeat very well'published at 12:28 BST 30 September
12:28 BST 30 September
Natalie Bromley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Some seasons you absolutely flop. Other seasons you feel good, play well and enjoy an optimism that you might mount a survival challenge.
And in both of those seasons, you get battered away at Manchester City.
A moment for Maxim Esteve, who must have wanted the entire world to swallow up around him. One own goal is unfortunate. Two is horrible. There is simply no need for him to let this derail his focus and commitment to this season. He remains a firm fan favourite and you can guarantee the Turf Moor terraces will continue to echo with the sound of "Steeeeeve".
I thought Scott Parker handled the defeat very well. He has got such an eloquent way with words and handles the bad days with real humility. I want him to do well this season. I want him to stay with Burnley for a long time and build something special here. For a manager who hasn't had the best of times managing in the Premier League, he looks at home.
It wasn't the kindest weekend either in terms of results, and we find ourselves in the relegation zone once more. But to have four points when we've already played Spurs, Manchester United, Liverpool and City is great!
Thankfully, we now transition into a run of easier fixtures and the Clarets march on.
After all, it is not the first time we've conceded five goals at the Etihad.
Manchester City 5-1 Burnley - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:21 BST 29 September
08:21 BST 29 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Burnley.
Here are some of your comments:
City fans
Gene: It's nice to see the crosses continually being sent with positive results. The defence still has some shaky moments but has definitely improved over last season thus far. A nice, hardworking performance which is building confidence.
Deano: A game of two halves. I felt City were too complacent after the first goal. A talking to with Pep at half time sharpened their focus in the second half and the rest is history.
Robert: Nice to see rhythm returning to City's game. A nice balance in the team. Haaland, Foden, Doku and the very underestimated Nunes were all excellent.
Warren: Not getting carried away just yet but promising signs that we are getting back to somewhere near our best with a new system. Doku has been excellent again.
Burnley fans
Graham: Burnley showed strength, skill, and determination to, yet again, come back from a poor start to draw level by half time. We missed the chance to get ahead just after the break but, having failed to do so, we should have shut up shop, and not tried to play City at open football. That may have been a commendable and brave tactic but, ultimately, it failed. This was not a 1-5 performance but that's what the score sheet reads!
Paul: The result doesn't define our season. The two injury time goals and the two own goals, considering the number of both types scored against us this season, are worrisome. But we will have easier matches and we will improve.
Andrew: How does a decent but small club like Burnley compete with billionaires?! I hope Burnley survive but they don't have the resources.
Premier League new boys bucking the trendpublished at 15:03 BST 28 September
15:03 BST 28 September
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland have taken a combined 23 points from their opening six games, making it the best start to a Premier League season by the promoted sides since 2017-18.
In fact, only five times in Premier League history have the promoted sides made a better start to a season.
Sunderland have made the best start of the three, accruing 11 points from their opening six games, which is the most any promoted side has taken in 13 years, since West Ham United did the same in 2012-13.
Because they have been much more successful at keeping Premier League opposition at bay, conceding eight fewer goals and giving up 32 fewer chances between them.
While this season's promoted sides haven't actually created much more than last season's trio, they have been more clinical so far, scoring three more goals despite only taking nine more shots and generating a similar quality of chances in terms of expected goals.
So after years of conventional wisdom telling us that a reliable goalscorer was the key to surviving in the Premier League, might Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland prove that defensive solidity is actually more important?
Analysis: Clarets come up short againpublished at 20:31 BST 27 September
20:31 BST 27 September
Shamoon Hafez Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This was always going to be a tough ask for Scott Parker's side - and ultimately they came up short again.
The Clarets were edged out by late penalties against Manchester United and Liverpool, but were heavily beaten by Manchester City after conceding four goals in the second half.
Maxime Esteve had a day to forget, with Burnley now without a win in their past 20 visits to City, going all the way back to 1963.
Having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with City, it was a disappointing return to the Etihad for Kyle Walker, who picked up a booking in the first half for a foul on former teammate Phil Foden.
Supporters will be thinking how different it could have been had Lyle Foster scored in front of them at the start of the second half, but their side have won only once in six games on their return to the top-flight.
Man City 5-1 Burnley: What Parker and Anthony saidpublished at 18:51 BST 27 September
18:51 BST 27 September
Media caption,
Burnley manager Scott Parker spoke to BBC Match of the Day about the disappointing defeat by Manchester City: "For 70-odd minutes we were right in it and we caused them some problems. We executed the game-plan and we were encouraged for large parts.
"They scored two quick goals and the backend of the game ran away from us a bit, with some mistakes. There are fine margins and we knew we would need to ride our luck at times.
"For the first 60-70 minutes, we were brave and courageous - not just standing up to things but also with the ball.
"I'm massively confident [in this team]. We've had a tough start and I know there are large parts of our game from these tough fixtures that will stand us in good stead."
Goalscorer Jaidon Anthony also spoke to Premier League Productions after the match: "It shows why they are one of the best teams in the world. It is a disappointing way to end the game, but we will bounce back. We've put in some strong performances this season but this was tough. If you're not on it for a split second, they punish you.
"We are learning every game and we are a young group. We are playing top sides and if we can take bits from each game and progress, then that should help."
Did you know?
Jaidon Anthony has scored four goals and provided one assist in six Premier League games this season. It is the earliest a Burnley player has reached five goal involvements in a single campaign in the competition.
Maxime Esteve became just the sixth player in Premier League history to score two own goals in the same game, and the first player since Craig Dawson with Wolves against Everton last season.
Image source, Getty Images
