Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
After a decent run of form which saw Burnley pick up points against both Everton and Manchester United life has been a bit bleak at Turf Moor as of late with Sean Dyche’s men suffering three straight defeats. This afternoon they play host to a Bournemouth side who came back to beat Liverpool on Sunday in stunning fashion.
Twice Bournemouth had a two goal deficit at home to Liverpool but that didn’t stop them from pulling off a sensational comeback to win the game 4-3. Nathan Ake’s late goal would have grabbed the headlines but the plaudits must go to Ryan Fraser whose introduction as a substitute turned the game on its head.
Perhaps the fact they were 2-0 down when he was introduced gave him more freedom than usual but his direct running caused Liverpool endless problems and within minutes he had won his side a penalty after being bundled over by James Milner. But that wouldn’t be the end to his contribution either.
At 3-1 he managed to drive the ball past by Loris Karius to once again half the deficit and give Bournemouth a slither of hope. Moments later Steve Cook had levelled matters at 3-3 and once Nathan Ake took full advantage of a Karius blunder history had been made at The Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth chalked up their first ever win over Liverpool.
That win sees Bournemouth move back into the top half of the table and they will certainly have their tails up going into today’s trip to Lancashire as they face a Burnley side whose form has deserted them as of late. That lack of form has seen The Clarets slip down the table with them currently in 15th just three points from the drop zone.
A lack of goals for Burnley will be of concern to Sean Dyche as his side have only found the net once in those last three matches although what a goal it was. Dean Marney’s fizzing effort did give his side the lead against Manchester City a fortnight ago but defensive lapses at the back meant that Burnley perhaps came away from that game undeservedly empty handed.
Burnley are the second lowest scorers in the league at present with just 12 goals to their name, that’s less than a goal a game and if that goal rate continues throughout the season then Burnley are going to be in the thick of a relegation dog fight. Perhaps that’s not to be expected after promotion back in May but it’s an area that needs addressing with some additions to the striking ranks next month.
With those issues not being able to be address for a few weeks it gives Bournemouth the edge and they will be flying high after such a great result last Sunday. I expect them to take that momentum into Today and come away with all three points. A Bournemouth win for me.
