Clarets will continue to defy critics

KATERINA LEE’S CLARETS VIEW

SOMETHING I can’t understand about this week’s match is the negative reactions to it.

It’s a game that has truly split opinion with Burnley fans and neutrals alike.

Although Burnley fans are the more positive side of the coin in regards to the match, we’re not clouded by the fact that some of the players didn’t completely excel to the best of their ability.

Frankly, Newcastle were poor.

Defensively, they’re usually quite strong.

The same for us, however where it’s usually just a show of defensive strength with us, we did have some moments going forward and it was frustrating that for a long time there wasn’t an end result.

Then the goal came. It was such a deserved team goal with a nice run of 19 passes before it, something we’re starting to get to grips with it and it’s these kind of plays that are going to get us points in the Premier League.

Something that really ground my gears is the negative opinion from neutrals, one of the worst being an article in The Guardian.

We were criticised as not being the most free-scoring of teams, which on some levels I can agree with, but then they go on to say that we played as though we had no idea why were so high up in the league and it was a ‘mystery that does not reflect well on the teams below.’

I would like to introduce them to a little thing called good defending.

Old school, no frills blocking and tackling … remember that?

Burnley are on the cusp of a European tour if things continue to go so smoothly and we’re going there because we’ve got one of the best defence in the whole league.

We’ve got a guy in midfield that looks out of place because of his quick decision making that isn’t quite in tune with the rest of the team just yet, but what we’re not allowed any room for error and improvement because we’re in the top flight?

Suddenly we were supposed to just be a goal scoring master class because we’re not in the relegation spots?

It’s frightening that the dullest game of the entire weekend involving second place Manchester United and third place Tottenham was praised for being a ‘technical masterclass’, yet we’re criticised for our style of play despite it being only the second consecutive year in the Premier League.

It’s difficult to understand why some people still haven’t caught on that we have an excellent manager, we’re improving and transforming all the time and from here it can only get better. This time a few years ago we were clutching at 17th, fast forward to now and we’re 7th and looking good. It’s about time critics started opening their eyes to the possibility that Burnley will be in the top half of the table for a while this season.