LET’S BURN IT UP
Boss Dyche tells Clarets to shoot for record points haul
SEAN DYCHE has challenged Burnley to break the club’s record Premier League points total.
Burnley have 42 points with seven games remaining and Dyche wants them to aim for their best-ever haul of 54 from two seasons ago when they finished seventh.
“There’s a chance we could do it,” said the Clarets boss. “It’s more difficult, but it’s not impossible. When you haven’t got the players we are missing, and the squad size, it is harder.
“So, does it increase the challenge to get those extra points? Yes, it probably does, but does it entice you? I would hope so.”
Dyche is pleased with his side’s progress ahead of tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace, having kept 12 clean sheets this season.
“I’m proud of that, but I’m also proud of the fact we’re the fifth highest in wins,” he said.
“People say we defend to counter, but we try to win you know. It’s just that the other team are often very good and it’s hard to get out of that counter position.
“Twelve wins is a decent tally at this stage. If you keep clean sheets and score a goal you’ve got a very good chance. We’ve done that well, mostly, over the season.”
Dyche is also delighted with how Matej Vydra has stepped up in the absence of injured front pair Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.
Vydra’s chances have been limited at Turf Moor and
Dyche feels he is finally buying into the team’s work ethic.
The Czech’s challenge on Craig Dawson led to Burnley’s winner against Watford and Dyche (with Watford’s Troy Deeney, above) says he now understands his role is not just about scoring goals.
“I think he’s been waiting for chances to score a goal and I think he’s beginning to realise what team play is,” he said.
“Team play can be getting that foul, it can be defending from the front, getting a foot in, a block – the detail of the game is so important now.
“We know he can score a goal, he’s always scored a goal, but it’s more the hold-up play.
“Simple things that get overlooked in football. Popey kicks it, Vyds just gets his body in, the centre-half can’t head it or clear it, it comes off him, we pick up the bits, build from there, great cross, great finish, goal.
“That was an important moment against Watford.”