FACT ROOM...
Tarkowski: We may be yawn again but we don’t care (and this game wasn’t even last on Match of the Day)
Burnley have registered two wins in their last three away Premier games, as many as they managed in their 14 before that (D6 L6).
Bournemouth have lost three consecutive home league games for the first time since April 2016. Burnley have won five of their seven Premier League meetings with Bournemouth (L2), including each of the last three fixtures. The total of five shots produced in the game is the lowest tally of attempts in a Prem games since 2003-04 (when this data was first recorded).
The first and only shot on target of the game came in the 89th minutes, the longest wait for a shot on target in a Premier League game since May 2009 (90 mins, Bolton v Sunderland).
Rodriguez
Tarkowski, 27, said: “We know what we are. We’re not going to think about being something we’re not.
“We’re not too bothered by the ‘boring, boring Burnley’ chants.
“We’re used to it. People don’t always appreciate the way we play. We make it difficult for teams and to concede no shots on goal all game is good for our side.
“It feels satisfying sometimes wins like this are the best wins.
“We can still play, but on days like this hard work is often the best way.
“I love the wet weather and to battle. It’s hard to come down here to Bournemouth.
“Usually when we’re down here it’s 30 degrees and
– roasting hot. It’s nice to have a bit of rain and a bit of cool air.
“It maybe suits us a bit more, we utilise our strengths.”
Those strengths included hard-working front two Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, the latter left unpunished despite catching Simon Francis on the face.
The Bournemouth skipper played on with a headband and later needed five stitches following the first-half clash and there was also a feisty incident where Tarkowski clattered Ryan Fraser.
Tarkowski said: “Sometimes people come out a bit on the sore side, but that is not my problem – I am there to do my job.
“Those two lads up front are the battering rams.
“Any good performance starts with the strikers getting hold of the ball. “It gives you a chance to get a foothold in the game.” The Clarets’ winner came as sub Rodriguez’s effort off his shoulder from Ashley Westwood’s cross went in with VAR double checking there was no handball.
Burnley now turn their attentions to Boxing Day where they look to avenge a 5-1 defeat against Everton exactly 12 months ago and spoil Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge.
Tarkowski added: “They battered us last year at home on Boxing Day so we’re looking to turn that around.
“We’re in a good vein of form at the moment.
“And they will have a new manager, but we look forward to it.
“The games come thick and fast. There’s some good opportunities for us, there’s plenty of points to play for.” 21/12/19 Bournemouth vs Burnley ........ 19/04/14 Aston Villa v Southampton... 29/08/15 Bournemouth v Leicester ...... 01/04/19 Arsenal v Newcastle ............... 17/03/07 Wigan Athletic v Fulham ........