Burnley

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on Monday.

Martin in Derby: Only three Premier League clubs have panic sacked their managers this season: Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. So far, none are better off, arguably worse off in Forest's case. What do you think of this strategy versus the boards who hold their nerve - a la Burnley, Luton, Everton, Brentford with the longer term learning and stability in mind?

Phil: It's a tough choice, Martin, but it certainly has not had the desired impact at Sheffield United and Forest with Chris Wilder returning and Nuno Espirito Santo being appointed at the City Ground. Far too early to make any considered judgement on Oliver Glasner at Palace.

Vincent Kompany had credit in the bank for taking Burnley up but it's been a miserable season and they seem simply resigned to going down and maybe letting him try again next season. There is no-one at Everton to make a decision on Sean Dyche even if they wanted to, which is very unlikely. Thomas Frank has done a top-class job at Brentford despite recent struggles while if the art of good management is getting the best out of what you have then Rob Edwards is doing incredibly well at Luton Town. They could still stay up.

There are considered reasons why they are all still in their jobs.

I think the prospect of relegation can induce panic and clubs must also weigh up whether there is anyone out there who could do any better. A very hard choice and only the final league table will tell if the right decision has been taken.

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's four 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 and 5 Sports Extra match commentaries in full:

• Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur

• Brighton v Nottingham Forest

• Liverpool v Manchester City

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport journalist

If Burnley are going straight back to the Championship, they will go down fighting and go down playing the way Vincent Kompany wants to play.

Kompany has refused to compromise style in what has been a tough debut season as a Premier League manager.

Against West Ham, there was much to admire about his team after a first half where they led 2-0.

But their old failings returned after the break as West Ham finally upped the tempo.

Burnley dropped points from a winning position yet again and that was down to conceding at pivotal moments - less than 30 seconds after the restart and again in stoppage time.

Chances to score a third themselves went begging, too.

Kompany bemoaned his side "getting done in key moments" and it succinctly summed up their season - which still looks odds on to end with relegation.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany speaking to BBC Sport: "I have to try and flip it in my head, as much as there is the disappointment of the goal conceded, in the end the team fought really hard and created chances ourselves.

"We were in the game for 100-plus minutes. It is unfortunate but we need to have the same energy in the next game.

Was the biggest regret not keeping West Ham out or taking your chances? "Both but mainly the timing of goals conceded. You can't put every chance in the back of the best, otherwise we wouldn't be where we are.

"But the timing of the goals we conceded - if you had to write as bad a scenario as you could, those two goals fall in those two moments.

"We are where we are because not been perfect all the time. but that can't be the centre of attention.

"We show fight, we show desire, we dangerous ourselves. but we get done in some key moments."

• Burnley have now scored 23 of their 27 Premier League goals from open play this season (85%). No team in the division has a higher percentage of their goals coming from open play than Vincent Kompany’s side this season (Nottingham Forest, also 85%).

• West Ham have now lost just one of their last 16 home matches against newly-promoted opposition in the Premier League (W12 D3) and are unbeaten in their last seven (W6 D1) since a 1-2 defeat to Brentford in October 2021.

• West Ham failed to register a single shot on target in the first half against Burnley today. It’s the second time in their last three home Premier League matches that the Hammers have failed to find the target in the first half (also v Arsenal). Before this run, they had gone 28 consecutive home games registering at least one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

• Today was only the second time Burnley have led a Premier League game by 2 or more goals at half time and failed to win the match. The Clarets had won each of their previous 12 such matches since a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in December 2017.

• West Ham forward Danny Ings has only scored more Premier League goals against Everton (6) than he has against Burnley (5). Ings has now netted against the Clarets in the Premier League for three different clubs (West Ham, Aston Villa and Southampton).

West Ham substitute Danny Ings stopped his former club Burnley earning a rare win as the home side fought back from 2-0 down in a pulsating Premier League game.

Ings, who had an effort ruled out by VAR moments before the equaliser, almost nicked a winner but saw his shot cannon off the crossbar in injury-time.

Burnley still moved off the bottom of the Premier League with the draw, but were left to rue dropping more points from a winning position.

The Clarets were on course to earn just their fourth win of the top-flight season - and first victory in 10 attempts - through David Datro Fofana and Konstantinos Mavropanos's own goal before half-time.

West Ham were lifeless in a poor first half where they did not manage a shot on target.

However, the Hammers reappeared after the break looking like a different side and pulled a goal back within 30 seconds of the restart.

Midfielder Lucas Paqueta showed the desire which had been previously missing to press Burnley high, winning back possession to go clean through and calmly stroke past Clarets keeper James Trafford.

David Moyes side continued to press for a leveller and Burnley looked set to hang on for victory until Ings' dramatic late intervention.

The draw moves Vincent Kompany's team back above Sheffield United into 19th place on goal difference, with both sides remaining eight points adrift of safety with 10 games remaining.

West Ham, who were aiming for a third straight league win, stay in seventh place.

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

West Ham fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

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

Follow all of the reaction here

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

Listen to radio commentaries and follow 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 The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool, and Better Joy's Bria Keely, who is a Manchester City fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Burnley are down as far as I am concerned. As a team they are pretty, but without a lot of punch.

West Ham fans have been moaning they are bored with 'Moyes-ball' but their team has scored seven goals in their past two games to just ram down how well it works.

I am delighted for David Moyes that he got those wins over Brentford and Everton to lift his side back up to seventh.

The Hammers travelled to Germany on Thursday in the Europa League so I am not sure how Moyes will manage his squad over the next few days. On that basis I'd usually quite fancy Burnley to get a point but, defensively, I don't see them holding out.

Dave's prediction: 1-1

Bria's prediction: 1-2

Read the rest of their predictions here

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between West Ham United and Burnley in the Premier League.

• West Ham are unbeaten in their past five Premier League games against Burnley (W3 D2), this after having lost three in a row to the Clarets beforehand.

• Burnley have only won two of their eight Premier League visits to West Ham (D1 L5).

• West Ham have won their past two league games, scoring seven goals in the process, which is as many as they had netted in their previous eight. The Hammers could score three or more goals in three consecutive Premier League matches in the same season for the first time since April 2021.

• Burnley have lost their past four away league games, conceding three goals in each. They last lost more successive Premier League away matches from November 2016 to February 2017 (seven), while this is their longest run of conceding three or more goals away from home in the competition since November 2009 (six in a row).

• James Ward-Prowse has seven assists in the league this season, the most of any West Ham player. Since his first season in the competition in 2012-13, he has more assists from set-pieces than any other player (30), although Burnley are the only side he’s faced more than three times in the Premier League without scoring or assisting against them (12 games, 849 minutes).

• Against Bournemouth, Clarets manager Vincent Kompany suffered his 20th Premier League defeat as boss in his 27th game, with only Mick McCarthy losing 20 games in fewer matches as a manager in the competition (23). Kompany’s final 20 defeats as a Premier League player came over a period of 155 appearances.

We asked you whether you wanted Vincent Kompany to stay as Burnley manager, given the club's struggles in the Premier League this season. Here is a selection of your thoughts...

Steven: Without a doubt, Kompany in! We're definitely down but he's shown that he can get us out of the Championship. Patience is key, he'll get it right with time.

Chris: No point sacking Kompany at this stage. We are too far down the road and very much invested in his style of play. I would give him until November and see where we are then. If we are in the bottom half of the Championship, fire him and get someone else.

Peter: When he joined Burnley, he said three seasons to get back to the Premier League, so he has two seasons' worth of credit. The club stuck with Sean Dyche when we were promoted then relegated, so why not Kompany? But he needs to learn - too many new inexperienced signings this year at the expense of last season's stars.

Steve: I'm proud that my club generally avoid knee-jerk managerial sackings. But Kompany has bought a squad of players inadequate for the task in hand and spent seven months without improving any one of them or the team overall - that failing has to be laid at his door. No point sacking now, but next season will need to be strong or he'll be gone by Christmas.

Ian: One poor season doesn't mean a bad manager in the same way that one successful one doesn't mean a good manager. Think back to Owen Coyle, for example. I'm certain Kompany has learned a lot from his two seasons here and 2024-25, whichever division we are in, will tell us if he has the ability to apply that knowledge.

Graeme: Burnley have the same points as Sheffield United. They finished last season 10 points superior. While Sheffield United lost their best two players and arguably started this season a weaker side than last season, Burnley spent £100m. Luton are now superior. This is serious underperformance. It feels like Kompany is living off the back of his playing career this season.

Have Burnley and Vincent Kompany failed to adjust their style in the Premier League?

Last season's superb form in the Championship has not been repeatable, so should Kompany have found a new way?

The Football News Show have discussed the issue, with former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown and Burnley fan Joe Redmond offering their views.

Watch a clip below or find the full episode here.

Is getting promoted to the Premier League too easy if you've just been relegated?

Daniel Storey from the i Newspaper has been telling The Football News Show about a problem brewing in winning promotion and battling the drop.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer here

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Vincent Kompany has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham United at London Stadium.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said he anticipates the Hammers will be ready for the game, despite travelling to Germany to face Freiburg in the Europa League earlier this week: "I suppose if you're not used to it, it might affect you a little bit more. I think West Ham are a team used to having a fixture this way. They reached the final of the Conference League not so long ago, so they're used to that."

• On improving on the "tremendous amount of courage" shown against Bournemouth last time out: "When you get beaten down, a little bit like we were after the Palace game, to build your energy back up and show what we showed against Bournemouth - we had 20 shots, we were aggressive in duels and all over the pitch - to bring that energy at this point of the season, when we've had so many tough weekends, that's something special."

• He agreed with Jacob Bruun-Larsen's comments on "working hard" and keeping up "personal pride" until the end of the season: "That's what I want them to reflect. You're not going to win all the games in life, but you have to always be able to represent yourself where you can say you've done your best. That will give us results - it gave us results and fantastic moments last season."

• Kompany praised West Ham boss David Moyes: "I think he has always done well. He's won a European trophy - what more do you have to say? What could crown the job that you've done at a place better than that?"

• He added: "I'm not surprised [he gets criticism]. I wish for him to win another European trophy - I guess that will settle it. From my side, I can just speak about what I've seen him do over the years. That's also the reason why it's a great manager to come up against and a great game for us to look forward to."

• On the gap between the Championship and the Premier League, Kompany said: "The very top of the Championship runs at £30-50m cost annually, the bottom of the Premier League runs at £150-160m cost annually. It's just a massive difference in everything. But, from our side, no complaints."

• Kompany added: "It's what we signed up for and we know we want to be in the Premier League. The fact that it's not been an easy ride is not surprising because of what I've described. It's for us to keep the consistency, keep the players calm, and try to turn those performances into results very soon."

Are you Kompany in or Kompany out? Let us know here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences

Burnley tore the Championship apart last season but have fallen short of many expectations and suffered 11 defeats at home and nine on the road this season.

With just 13 points from 27 games and 11 points from safety with 11 games remaining, is Vincent Kompany still the right man for the job?

BBC Sport guest columnist Tony Livesey believes the consensus from many fans is "we're still very much Kompany men and women" while Joe Redmond from Turfcast podcast below is still backing him, but says confidence in the boss is eroding.

Where do you stand? Does the Clarets boss have enough credit in the bank from last season?

Or would you like a change in the dugout?

Tell us your thoughts

Make your selection over here

Joe Redmond
Fan writer

It is fair to say there has been a lot of talk about Vincent Kompany's position as Burnley manager recently.

The Clarets' season has been one to forget - as a 36-year-old Burnley fan I can say quite confidently this is my least favourite season, which is quite the come down from the last as that was possibly my favourite ever.

However, despite that, I agree with what Tony Livesey said in his latest column.

We're definitely in the Championship next season and he's already shown he's more than capable at that level. Some people may want to rewrite history and say his job was not impressive because of the money Burnley spent, but when you lose the entire spine of your team, those players need replacing.

We then went on to be one of the best teams in Championship history and that is credit to Kompany and his staff.

He's made mistakes this season - quite a lot of them to be fair. His persistence with James Trafford is baffling, Zeki Amdouni has played a lot more than he has deserved, and his reluctance to play Charlie Taylor (the club's only natural senior left-back) in the left-back position at the start of the season was a mystery.

One thing I do not agree with Tony on, however, is that Kompany "has nothing to worry about".

The tide has definitely started to turn, although I am confident that the majority of fans for now are still 'Kompany in' rather than 'Kompany out'. I would say it is probably a 60/40 split in favour, but that is considerably closer than it ever has been.

The problem for Kompany now is he will not be allowed a slow start next season. If we do not hit the ground running instantly there will be no patience from the fans.

Then there is the season after - if he does well and we are back in the Premier League he will not be given another 'free hit'. If we are getting battered every week then the fans will be restless as early as the end of August.

So, for me, it is 'Kompany IN' for now - but he needs to show he has learned from his mistakes this season.

Joe can be found on the TurfCast Podcast, external

Make your selection over here

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