Burnley

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

In the 77th minute of Sunday's critical game against Bournemouth, Manuel Benson came on as a substitute for Vitinho. A player who was central to Burnley's success in the Championship last year and epitomised the new 'Kompany Ball' style of play. A player who scored the goal to deliver the title. At Ewood Park. In front of our fiercest rivals.

The noise that erupted at Turf Moor should tell Vincent Kompany everything he needed to know - that so many of the Clarets' fanbase seemed desperate to see a player they connected with.

The crowd cheered and sang three different chants, all centred around him. Now this might sound an odd thing to pick up on, but we have not really chanted about many - if any - of our players at home this season.

It is a gripe I have heard from so many fans this season. That they do not feel a connection to this current group of players. Given that just two other players who were involved in that title-winning side - Charlie Taylor and Josh Cullen - were on the pitch at the same time as Benson, it is perhaps of little surprise.

One of the great things about supporting a club like Burnley is togetherness - club with fan with community. It just does not feel 'there' to me at the moment.

Singing at the top of my voice "Manuel Benson, he won us the league" was a rare moment of joy. A reminder of how good football can be. I do hope Kompany can rediscover that next year and get us all back on the same page again.

In the meantime, I am dearly hoping that our neighbours down the M65 can cling on to their place in the Championship. Because bring on the East Lancashire derby!

Natalie Bromley can be found on the No Nay Never podcast, external

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany retains the support of the club's hierarchy, despite their hopes of Premier League survival being hit by another defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news and gossip? Read Tuesday's full column

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany believes he has "improved" more this year than ever in his life, as his team continues to struggle in the Premier League.

The Clarets are facing relegation straight back down to the Championship after picking up just 13 points from 27 games, leaving them 11 points away from safety with 11 games left.

Sunday's 2-0 home loss to Bournemouth at Turf Moor was the latest blow to their survival hopes, but Kompany is adamant there is no "miracle recipe" for success in the English top flight.

Speaking after the defeat, he said: "The absurdity of this job is I probably feel I've improved more this year than I ever have in my life. But you're judged by results. You're probably not having to tell this story until you're back having your wins."

The match highlighted Burnley's main shortcomings this season - not scoring enough and conceding too many goals - with the Clarets having 20 efforts on goal without netting one.

In their past three Premier League matches alone, they have let in 10 goals without reply. Kompany added: "There isn't a miracle recipe. The thing is to keep faith in your players.

"I said to them: 'I can fully put my name to this performance [against Bournemouth] and I can fully be accountable for every aspect of it - the failures and the positives.'"

Kompany also said he hopes his players will take some learnings from their survival fight this season: "That's when you progress most. Every book says it. It's just really tough to be in it, but that's why you get better."

We asked you for your thoughts on Sunday's Premier League match between Burnley and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

Natasha: We have no soul. From a team that was near untouchable last season, to a team fast becoming unwatchable. There is little to no passion going forward and it's getting harder to defend - on and off the pitch.

Big Winnie: A bit like watching the movie Titanic. It's a good watch but we all know it will be a disastrous ending. They said the Titanic was unsinkable and with last season's Championship performance I think fans thought Burnley would not sink back there so soon. Don't think we have any lifeboats left. But never say die, we could still get a lifeline.

Mikey: I’m confused by what Vincent is trying to achieve. By playing the way we are we are incredibly vulnerable to counter-attacks and balls over the top. Our midfield is out of its depth our defence flappy. It’s time to think again.

Peter: If anyone thinks this team is going to walk the Championship next season they're going to be in for a big disappointment. Bournemouth were there for the taking. Just not good enough.

Bournemouth fans

Charl: We played well enough to win this game, but only just. Semenyo played poorly but is always a threat. Tavernier's form is worrying, he really should stop taking free-kicks. Cookie ran this game and his efforts, along with Neto and Smith, should be applauded. Great result - deserved!

Clive: We were resolute. I feel for Senesi if injury rules him out of a return for Argentina. Four consecutive home games now, so should be safe by early April. Be interesting to see how we play after that.

Tom: A win is a win and that is all we needed, no matter how we get there. Well done. A great confidence boost!

Ian: My goodness did we need that win at Burnley! The lads did well in the second half and deserved the three points. I'd feel for Burnley, as they put in a lot of 'huff and puff' for no reward! Don't get me wrong, AFCB wholeheartedly deserved the plaudits throughout this game, and the three points could well help keep them in the Premier League. 8/10!

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has called Burnley's attack "toothless" on Match of the Day 2, following the Clarets' 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Deeney added: "I think football is decided in both boxes. You can have all of the nice stuff. I think if you put Burnley in there with no goals - they play lovely stuff, real good patterns of play, they are trying to be good with the ball.

"But the main bit is: how do you defend and do you score? That is what keeps you in the league. I've done that with Watford, back in my time.

"They had some really good play, but there's just no conviction. We never watched this game and thought Burnley were going to score. For as good as Burnley were, this has happened so many times.

"Everyone panics, everyone wants their moment in the sun. Just lay it off to your mate and let them score.

"They get into these positions and they do work it really well. In the first half, it looked like there was only one team [Burnley] who were going to go on and win it, but we never had that feeling that they were going to score.

"Everybody was trying to shoot through bodies. Again, just lead it down the side and fire it across the box. That would give yourself a higher probability of scoring a goal, but they didn't do that."

Catch up on Match of the Day 2 here

Image source, Reuters

Vincent Kompany's Burnley had 75% possession and 20 attempts at goal in Sunday's home loss to Bournemouth - a result that left the Clarets 11 points from Premier League safety with 11 games left to play.

Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha, who played alongside Kompany at Manchester City, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "I'm trying to be as respectful as possible because this is my friend's team, but right now they're just not very good.

"They're pushing, but you can just sense in the crowd that they don't fully believe in what they're doing. It's a weird feeling. If you asked those fans, realistically, do you think your side will stay up, I'd imagine most would say no. And if you asked them why, they'd probably say right now they're not good enough.

"This is just a regular game for Burnley - playing at home against a side that's not in the top six. They have controlled the game and walk off feeling disappointed. In reality, that's the Premier League where anyone can beat you at any point if you aren't as clinical as you need to be."

Listen to more reaction on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League matches.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full:

• Burnley v Bournemouth

• Man City v Man Utd

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, speaking to BBC Sport: "It is what football is about. The chances you have you have to put in the back of the net. We conceded off the very first moment for Bournemouth in the game.

"The lads were not putting the ball in the back of the net, but when they were, well that's a whole other discussion.

On Josh Cullen's disallowed goal: "There's 11 games left, we have been at it a while, so you build your understanding of the league as you go. Forest away, handball or not handball and then we get a letter saying sorry.

"The Luton one where in that case it is deemed not to be a push and they give a goal and today it is deemed to be a push and don't give the goal.

"You can understand there is a little bit of confusion. Did my team score a goal today? Based on some games they did but today they didn't.

"I know on Match of the Day you have a limited time to go through this, but the Luton goal is given and then this goal is taken off us, it is bound to eat into me.

"The yellow card [for Dara O'Shea], I think that was deserved but then it happens on the other side and they don't get it.

"You will never hear me criticise referees for their intentions, we are all human beings, but it is part of some of the things that have gone against us this season. I can't say it in a more respectful way.

"What do I want from my team? I want them to show the energy they did today, I want them to show the fight for what is a wonderful opportunity for Burnley which is to be in the Premier League. You have to rely and trust in your players to turn a corner, that is really important."

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's Josh Cullen after their 2-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth: "We can be pleased with a lot of the parts of our game but the overriding emotion is bitterly disappointed we haven't got anything to show for it.

"We started the game really well, we were on top and creating chances but one chance for them and you get punished. We are learning the hard way.

"After last week we had to show a bit of fight and spirit today. I think we did that. The desire and spirt was there.

"Every decision that has been a close one this season seems to go against us.

"We won't stop fighting until the day is done and there's still enough points left to get us out of this situation."

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Eleven home defeats in 14 games. Eleven points from safety with 11 games left.

It's a seemingly hopeless situation for Burnley whose latest setback in front of their own fans came after a combination of missed chances and poor defending.

It's been a familiar theme throughout a thoroughly miserable season.

They carved out 20 chances against Bournemouth - including six on target - which was their joint-most in a match in the competition without scoring.

Their 75% possession was also their most in a Premier League game to date but they once again ended the game without nothing to show for their efforts.

"It's really rough to be in this situation," said Clarets boss Vincent Kompany. "It is not nice."

• Burnley suffered their 11th home defeat of the Premier League season, which is now the most they’ve lost at home in a single league campaign in the club’s history.

• Bournemouth picked up their fifth away win of the Premier League season, equalling their total on the road from last season (5). Only in their first top-flight campaign in 2015-16 have they won more away from home in a season in the division (6).

• The Cherries recorded their very first league double over Burnley (2-1 at home, 2-0 away). The Clarets are the first opponent they’ve won home and away against in a Premier League campaign since Leicester in October 2022/April 2023.

• Burnley’s 75% possession was their most in a Premier League game to date, while their 20 shots was their joint-most in a match in the competition without scoring (also 20 v West Brom in August 2017).

• 20% of Bournemouth’s goals in the Premier League this season have been netted in the opening 15 minutes (7/35), with only Nottingham Forest (21%) having a higher such percentage.

• This was the first time Bournemouth had named an unchanged starting XI in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola They last did so in May 2023 under Gary O’Neil (v Chelsea).

Burnley's slim hopes of staying up suffered another setback as Bournemouth won in the Premier League for the first time in 2024.

Justin Kluivert set the Cherries on their way with a powerful finish past James Trafford after poor defending.

Burnley responded strongly with Neto producing an outstanding save to keep out Jacob Bruun Larsen's free-kick while Vitinho headed a good chance over the bar.

Larsen also had a goalbound shot blocked by Adam Smith after Neto denied David Datro Fofana.

Josh Cullen's disallowed goal - ruled out for a foul in the build-up - only added to the sense of frustration inside Turf Moor, before Antoine Semenyo wrapped up the points with a deflected finish in the 88th minute.

Burnley are 11 points from safety with 11 games left.

Bournemouth's fifth away win of the season lifted them one place to 13th before four successive home games.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Burnley fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Bournemouth fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

There are two games being played in the Premier League on Sunday and we will bring you every moment.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries and get live text updates here

All times are GMT

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae from rock band Twin Atlantic.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

You could label every game as "must win" for Burnley but that has been the case for weeks.

The reality is that they have had it. They are 11 points from safety with 12 games to go, and they have only won three times all season.

I said when I covered their game against Arsenal for 5 live a couple of weeks ago that they had to win half their games, or the equivalent, to stand a chance of staying up, but then they got smashed by the Gunners and lost heavily at Crystal Palace too.

In his programme notes for the Arsenal game, Burnley boss Vincent Kompany wrote how "we still believe" - but you need results to back that up, and they have not managed to get them.

Playing out from the back seems to keep putting them in trouble - it led to Josh Brownhill being sent off against Palace - and although it is understandable to make mistakes, if you keep making the same ones every week then it becomes a problem.

Bournemouth are not in very good form either, and Dominic Solanke will be a huge miss if he is not fit to lead their attack, but I still cannot make a case for Burnley to beat them.

Sam's prediction: 1-1

Ross' prediction: 0-2

See the full list of predictions here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Vincent Kompany has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Bournemouth.

Here are the key lines from the Burnley boss:

• He said their performance in the defeat to Crystal Palace didn't "reflect who we are" with each loss "a real punch to the guts [that] hurts."

• On the team morale after three consecutive defeats: "There’s an aftermath of when you lose such an important game. The 24 hours after isn’t good, but then after that, it’s back to work."

• He believes managers should not have to apologise after defeats: "If you work hard and do your job by giving it your all, you don’t go and apologise. But by believing and being together, you are showing respect."

• To reverse their fortunes, he said his team needs to "visualise winning games" and "attach that feeling to the game".

• Speaking about how his experience as Manchester City's captain has helped him in his managerial career: "A year ago I would have simplified it to lead by example, but now having lived, it it goes much deeper than that. It goes to the core of who you are - you have to believe. It’s not forced, I have that. I don’t need other people to believe. I’m fine on my own, but I do."

• Even so, he said he "doesn't have the luxury of cherry picking players", so it's important all of his players are in the fight.

• On opponents Bournemouth: "We have to look at every game as an opportunity. I don’t think we can be selective. I would love nothing more to be back doing fist pumps again. We have learned that the Premier League has no easy games - and this weekend will be no different."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences

• Burnley have lost 10 of their 13 Premier League home games this season – it is their joint-most home defeats they have ever suffered in a single league campaign (also 10 in 2018-19).

• Burnley have conceded at least three goals in 11 of their 26 Premier League games this season, more than any other side and almost twice as many times as they did when they were relegated in 2021-22 (six). Only in 2009-10 (13) have they shipped three or more goals in more different games in a Premier League campaign.

• Bournemouth were winless in their first nine Premier League games this season, then won seven of their next nine (D1 L1). They are now winless in their past seven.

• Burnley have scored a league-high 28% of their Premier League goals from outside the box this season. However, they have also conceded a league-high total (12) and share (21%) of their goals from distance this term.

• Twelve of Dominic Solanke’s 14 Premier League goals this season have either put Bournemouth in the lead (nine) or drawn them level in the match (three). It is the most such goals a player has scored this term.

• No side has had more red cards in the Premier League this season than Burnley (five) – they had never previously had more than two players sent off in a single campaign before.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary of Burnley v Bournemouth at 13:00 GMT on Sunday

Vincent Kompany's job is not under threat at Burnley, despite his team looking set for an instant return to the Championship. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news and gossip? Read Wednesday's full column

Natalie Bromley
Fan writer

Is it necessary for a club to have an identity? I do not think every club has one, but many do and it can be a powerful tool. Look at the Luton side, who have successfully carried last season's grit and determination into the Premier League and may just survive.

I ask because Burnley, this Burnley, does not have one.

We used to be known as a hard-working and industrious side who would put its head on the line to stop a goal. Who would be hard to beat. Who were at one with their fans and who would put blood, sweat and tears into every game.

"Maximum effort is the minimum requirement" adorns the walls of the training ground. Sadly, that message does not transcend onto the pitch right now.

The tone for this season was set on day one. Facing Manchester City at home, Vincent Kompany chose to cast aside the core of last season's Championship-winning side in favour of a new shiny set of players. We were told that night that it was the "worst performance you will see from us this season". Oh how very wrong you were that night, Vincent Kompany, and how very foolish and arrogant that now makes you look.

Kompany did not think that last season's side was good enough to compete in the Premier League. Aside from the fact that his "better" team has been nothing short of abysmal this year.

What message does that send to those players left behind? How can we expect the likes of Josh Cullen, Manuel Benson and Anass Zaroury to play for us again, in our bid to get out of a horribly competitive Championship?

Burnley fans are completely disengaged from this team and this manager. It is going to take some work by Alan Pace to reconnect it.

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

We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Burnley

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Andy: Good start for the new manager. On the attack from the start and putting pressure on Burnley's defence, which led to the sending off. Good to see Matheus Franca getting a start also. Overall, a positive performance with three points and a clean sheet at last.

Richard: A great performance for the first match of the Oliver Glasner era. Palace were on the front foot from the start and showed much more forward play than we’re used to seeing. He also seems a lot more comfortable giving the youngsters a chance. There’s a lot of talent in this side despite the injuries - it looks like Glasner will allow it to flourish.

Lewis: Can imagine this rubbing a few people up the wrong way, but I genuinely think Jordan Ayew might be one of the most underrated wingers in the league. His work ethic, the way he protects the ball, his goal contributions... such a vital part of the Palace team.

Stuart: That would not a been a 3-0 win today under Roy. The three at the back gave us a new dynamic and energy going forward. The most enjoyable watch as a Palace fan in a long time.

Burnley fans

Siskin Claret: Sending off didn't help. Really didn't look like doing anything. There were four VAR rulings in the game and all were in favour of the home team. How a Burnley player was deemed to be interfering with play for our 'goal' was a mystery. Not sure this team will cope in the Championship.

Gareth: Woeful. The worst Burnley side in living memory. How did Kompany achieve this? He binned the Championship-winning team, spent £105m, and assembled a side that pass the ball aimlessly, give it away cheaply, and can’t even do the basics right like defend a corner. So powderpuff they’d struggle against a League Two side. Dreadful.

Mike: Dreadful performance from beginning to end. Can't pass, defend, get in the box or keep possession. The worst Burnley side for many seasons.

Ray: In more than 60 years of supporting them, I have not seen a poorer top flight Burnley team. Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Burnley clearly haven't listened to that when it comes to playing out from the back.