Burnley

Natalie Bromley, No Nay Never podcast, external

What on earth has happened to Burnley?

We knew the step up would be tough. Of course we did. We’re not naive. But the digression from the dynamic and exciting team that tore up the Championship last year is extreme.

Gone is the shape, the attacking threat, the desire, the strength. Instead we look a shell of a team, one lacking any obvious identity or plan.

We failed to strengthen either full-back position, yet persist with playing the inverted V (or, at least, trying to). Our defence is the worst I have seen in eight years of Premier League football. Our midfield struggles to compete. We don’t attack.

And, most importantly, we don’t seem to be learning any lessons.

Each week the team is tinkered with. New plans are tried. And all with the same result. We have zero points from eight after going behind this season. That is worrying.

After realising that Sander Berge is highly effective in the No. 10 role, Kompany put him back as a defensive central midfielder and, quite frankly, he would be more effective in the stands as a steward than there.

James Trafford is undoubtedly a talent of huge potential but he is struggling with his distribution and needs to be dropped for his own good right now.

We are told that we got promoted two years ahead of schedule, and that the players we have are being cultivated for a strong Premier League showing in maybe four years’ time. Great, no problem.

But then why not change the plan when we did get promoted ahead of schedule? Bring in a couple of strong, experienced players. Have a back-up plan for Ian Maatsen and Nathan Tella. Just… be flexible.

It’s hard to see anything right now other than a return to the Championship. Which, to be clear, isn’t a problem (at least, not whilst the EFL remains VAR-free!).

But Burnley Football Club has always been known as one who will fight and fight with pride.

I’d like to see that at some point.

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We asked for your views on Saturday's game between Bournemouth and Burnley.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Marley: So happy to finally get a win and I honestly think it is only upwards from here. Max Aarons, Antoine Semenyo and Alex Scott were fantastic and it really looks like we're starting to mould as a team now. We were all over Burnley and we looked excellent. Up the Cherries!

Blake: Finally a win, but still don't be fooled by this performance. We scraped a home win against Burnley, which is nothing special. Andoni Iraola still needs to go and we need a proven and reliable manager who we know what we’re getting from.

Drew: Finally we've got a positive result. Hopefully we can kick on now and look to win a few more games. By the way, that goal was clearly offside and I'm unsure why it took so long for VAR to rule it out!

Charl: A superb goal shouldn’t hide another poor midfield performance. Scott was the only player to contribute any meaningful play. Why was Semenyo taken off? Dango Ouattara is completely out of his depth. Bournemouth should stop playing out from the back as we aren’t good enough to play the ball forward quickly.

Burnley fans

JB: Disgusting yet again from Vincent Kompany - he has to go. He's out of his depth tactically. The winning goal was not a stunner - it was comical. Vitinho giving the ball away to Billing and Trafford was about 4,000 light years off his line! That being said, VAR robbed us at the end.

George: We were good for about 15 minutes in total today and just sloppy for the rest. Our inexperience is showing now. The best piece of play came from three players, who have Premier League experience, linking up. However, taking over five minutes to incorrectly rule a goal out for offside is ridiculous. At least VAR can't interfere in the Championship.

Alan: As the game progresses and the state of play develops, Burnley don't seem to realise how things are developing. They continue to give the ball away in midfield and want to play out from the back, not realising that the opposition have worked that part of our game out.

Joseph: Shocking to say the least. If we want to stay up, we need to beat teams like Bournemouth who are also struggling. There's too much experimentation going on. I think Kompany has to go.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis of Friday and Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, then fear not- you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And Match of the Day 2 brings you a round-up of Sunday's games here.

Listen back to Saturday's commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United

Wolves 2-2 Newcastle

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "The story of this game can definitely lead to a lot of disappointment, anger even. You leave here with a very bitter feeling.

"I’m not even having a go at the officials on the pitch. I completely understand that you can make a mistake, it’s the process that worried me. For us, there’s a clear handball. It’s a clear handball call but there’s no VAR check. We’ve just spent seven minutes checking to see if [Jay Rodriguez] is offside or not. It’s probably the width of a hair.

"But the second one, the handball, I don’t get it. The frustration is there at the moment. I’ve definitely brought it up [with the officials]. I think it was a respectful conversation. It’s not something I can change now, but I’ve not been given answers."

On Rodriguez's disallowed goal: "I could see them changing angles, drawing different lines. Sometimes the line turned green, which means it’s onside, and sometimes it turned out red, which means it’s offside. It’s sometimes like going to the casino and putting all your chips on a colour."

Matthew Howarth, BBC Sport

Despite nearly salvaging a point in second-half, Burnley can have few complaints about the outcome on the south coast after being second best for long spells.

Everything seemed to be going to plan for Vincent Kompany's team when Charlie Taylor opened the scoring early on with his first goal for the club, but they were fortunate not to be behind at half-time after Bournemouth missed several opportunities to add to Antoine Semenyo's equaliser.

Second-half substitute Rodriguez had not seen much of the ball after replacing Zeki Amdouni at half-time, but the former Southampton and West Brom striker thought he had earned the visitors a precious point when he found the bottom corner with a low left-footed strike.

The forward appeared to be just ahead of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly when the ball was played to him, but it took the video assistant referee more than five minutes to rule the goal out, much to Kompany's obvious frustration.

Burnley have now lost three top-flight games this season after scoring the opening goal - more than any other side in the division.

• Bournemouth have beaten Burnley in the Premier League for the first time since May 2018, ending a run of four successive defeats in the competition against the Clarets.

• The Cherries have ended a run of 13 successive league games without a win (D3 L10) with their first league victory under Andoni Iraola and first win since April against Leeds (4-1).

• Burnley have lost eight of their 10 Premier League games this season (W1 D1). Only in the second tier in 1904-05 did they lose at least eight of their first 10 games to begin a league campaign.

• Each of Philip Billing’s last two Premier League goals have been from outside the penalty area, as many as his first nine. Each of his last three goals in the competition have been the winning goal.

• Charlie Taylor scored his first Premier League goal on what was his 140th appearance in the competition with the Clarets. It’s the most games played by a Burnley player in the Premier League before scoring, with the previous most being Matthew Lowton (119th game).

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brentford midfielder Chris Hargreaves on Burnley's loss to Bournemouth: "Vincent Kompany must wonder what has happened to his team's luck today.

"That was a painfully long wait for the disallowed goal and Burnley still could have nicked a point at the end with Berge.

"The offside is such a tight decision, it was a tremendous finish from Rodriguez, but Bournemouth got away with it. The margins are so tight in football.

"Rodriguez had one chance and tucked it away, but luck is not on his side today. VAR took its time that's sure.

"That was a huge win for the Cherries."

Philip Billing's stunning second-half strike helped Bournemouth claim their first Premier League win of the season against fellow strugglers Burnley.

After collecting the ball just inside the visitors' half, Billing spotted goalkeeper James Trafford off his line before sending a looping effort over the head of the 21-year-old, who got a hand to the shot but was unable to keep it out.

Charlie Taylor's first goal for Burnley - a fierce shot past goalkeeper Andrei Radu from the edge of the area - had given the visitors an early lead at the Vitality Stadium.

But Bournemouth responded well and restored parity when Antoine Semenyo robbed Taylor of the ball and sent a low finish across Trafford and into the far corner.

Marcus Tavernier had missed a glorious opportunity to equalise moments before Semenyo's equaliser, while Chris Mepham, Billing and Dominic Solanke all spurned good openings as the Cherries threatened.

Second-half substitute Jay Rodriguez thought he had salvaged a point for Burnley late on, but his effort was ruled out for the narrowest of offsides after a lengthy review by the video assistant referee.

The win relieves some of the pressure on Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, whose side climbs above their opponents and out of the relegation zone.

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

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

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

Follow all the reaction here

There are four games being played out in the Premier League on Saturday and we'll bring you every moment.

Follow all the action and reaction here

Live commentaries:

• Arsenal v Sheffield United - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Newcastle United - BBC Radio 5 Live

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

This week, he takes on the stars of two CBBC shows - Tash, who features in The Football Academy, and Gabe from Jamie Johnson FC.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola looks out of his depth to me and he is desperate for his first win.

He was unlucky to see Lewis Cook sent off in last week's defeat by Wolves, but the result itself did not surprise me.

For his predecessor Gary O'Neil to come back and get the win the way he did sounds like something you couldn't write a script for, but you probably could if you had already seen Bournemouth play this season.

Iraola looks to me as if he isn't going to last too much longer, but this is a good opportunity for him to turn things around.

Burnley have shown glimpses of being a good team but each week that they don't get a result must be another big blow to their confidence.

Both teams are in the bottom three for a reason and, being honest, I think they will probably both stay there for a while longer.

Tash's prediction: 1-1

Gabe's prediction: 1-1

Read their full predictions here

Burnley owners ALK Capital are in talks with Dundee over proposals to make the Scottish Premiership side a feeder club. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Shamoon Hafez, BBC Sport

Vincent Kompany has been speaking to the media before his side's crucial Premier League game at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Here are the best lines from the Burnley manager:

• On striker Lyle Foster signing a new contract: "It is clear now important he is. He is happy and performing well. It is not what he is showing on the pitch, he is dependable and hard working for the team and can compete at this level. It is good for the club."

• Burnley were beaten 3-0 a Brentford last time out and the Belgian said: "Morale is good. We did everything we could to make sure we utilised them to take steps forward. The performance was not good enough, you have to take it on the chin. It has to be shown and confronted, once you have done that you can grow from it."

• The Clarets have only won one game in the league so far and asked when he will be concerned, Kompany replied: "As a manager you live in constant concern. I have got every desire to get the best out of this team. They deserve the support and attention. My journey with Burnley has not been written a couple of weekends ago."

• Asked if he is worried, he said: "I don’t know why this word is mentioned. The beautiful thing about football, you always have another game and the next one could be your best game."

• On Michael Obafemi returning from injury: "It is good. He had a pretty big injury but he relies on his speed and you have to do his rehab diligently. He is still a long way from being match fit."

• On facing Bournemouth: "Two different managers, there will be differences. I can see why it is tough for Bournemouth and us. We all have the ambition to get to the next level and establish yourself as a good strong Premier League club."

Hit 'Follow' at the top of this page and if you are using the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon to get Burnley news, analysis and more sent straight to you

Image source, Getty Images

Lyle Foster said he has fallen in love with Burnley and believes the club has a "recipe for success" after signing a new deal.

The South African forward has signed a new five-year deal at Turf Moor, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028.

Since arriving from Dutch side Westerlo in January, he has scored four goals and registered three assists in 23 Clarets appearances.

After putting pen to paper, he said: "I’m very happy to stay here. It’s a club with very good people and I have really enjoyed working here and I’m pleased to extend my stay.

"The supporters, Turf Moor, everything here. The way we organise ourselves and our standards something I fell in love with.

"It’s a club that pushes towards excellence and that’s something I want to be a part of.

"I’m trying to stay focussed and continue working hard. It’s a long season with lots of tough games but as time goes on I think we will grow stronger

"We will have a good season. I have plenty of belief and confidence within the squad, the coaches and everyone around the building.

"There is no need to stress. Just enjoy what we’re doing and there’s a recipe for success."

Hit 'Follow' at the top of this page and if you are using the BBC Sport app, tap the bell icon to get Burnley news, analysis and more sent straight to you

Ian Maatsen is set to leave Chelsea in January after failing to secure a starting place, but the 21-year-old Dutchman, who plays at left-back or in midfield, has no intention of going back to Burnley, where he spent last season on loan. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

• Bournemouth have lost six of their last eight league games against Burnley (W2), including each of the last four in a row. They'd only lost six of their first 20 against the Clarets before this (W4 D10).

• Burnley have won their last three Premier League away games against Bournemouth – only against Man Utd (5 between 1914 and 1921) and Blackburn Rovers (4 between 1962 and 1966) have they won more consecutively on the road in the top-flight.

• Bournemouth have lost just one of their 16 Premier League home games against promoted sides (W9 D6), going down 1-0 against Fulham in April 2019.

• Bournemouth are winless in their last 13 Premier League games (D3 L10), losing each of the last four in a row. They’ve not lost five in a row in the top-flight since July 2020.

• Burnley have won just one of their last 13 Premier League games (D2 L10), beating Luton 2-1 earlier this month. However, their last eight points in the top-flight have all been won in away games.

• Burnley haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 14 Premier League games, their longest run without a top-flight shutout since a run of 29 between November 2009 and August 2014.

Sunderland are keen to tie 22-year-old English winger Jack Clarke down to a new contract and ward off any further interest from Burnley, who had several bids for the former Leeds United player rejected in the summer. (Sunderland Echo), external

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

Burnley and Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is attracting interest from several clubs including Union Berlin and Sevilla. (Sky Sport Deutschland), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

We asked for your views on Saturday's game between Brentford and Burnley.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Alastair: Much better performance, could maybe have scored more. Still a few lapses and poor passes from defence that need to be tightened up before playing the bigger clubs.

Bill: We used the two weeks off well. The attack looks much better with Mbeumo and Wissa playing in natural wide positions. The timing of the substitutions was excellent and Thomas will need to substitute well again against Chelsea, hopefully with a stronger bench with players returning from injury.

Michael: Brentford played very well with 23 shots and 10 on target, with two fantastic goals. They were robbed at Old Trafford by two late goals but they made up for it against Burnley with a good performance. As a lifelong Brentford supporter myself I'm very happy with the result.

George: If not for a stellar performance by Burnley’s keeper, the score could’ve easily been 6-0. A return to form for many of our players. Maupay will be kicking himself for not scoring but he was crucial in every attack, with Onyeka and Wissa putting on their performances of the season.

Burnley fans

Steve: Very poor performance, particularly in the first half, Brentford were better than us all over the pitch. But for our keeper it would have been worse and we need to stop, please stop playing out from the keeper against a high press.

Francis: Too many individual mistakes. Not sure we are progressing at the rate Kompany believes we are. Too many changes to the team and too much dependency on playing from the back. However in Vinny I trust.

Michael: Burnley are their own worst enemy. They are too slow by miles. They just don't seem to learn from one week to the next. They are too good for the Championship and no where near good enough for the Premier League.

Graham: It seems Kompany does not know who his best 11 are. It seems that team selection and substitution strategy is built around letting everyone have a go. This is like a kindergarten playground. The best players should start.

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

If you missed Match of the Day, then fear not- you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And Match of the Day 2 brings you a round-up of Sunday's games here.

Listen back to Saturday's commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

Man City 2-1 Brighton

Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea

Listen back to Sunday's commentary in full on BBC Sounds:

Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham