Clarets rally to Dyche’s call and rediscover their DNA
BURNLEY feels like Burnley again. After a miserable start to the season, Sean Dyche’s men returned to old ways with a ruthless thumping of Bournemouth.
Their manager, given the rarity of a full week to work on the training ground with his charges, had called for a return to the Burnley DNA: organisation, aggression and a willingness to do the dirty work. That, and some assists from Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
It was all on display in a best top-flight victory since 1970. First league goals in a Claret shirt for Matej Vydra and Aaron Lennon in the space of two firsthalf minutes and a late Ashley Barnes brace, with Bournemouth exposed, were enough to dent an impressive opening by Eddie Howe’s side.
‘We had a good chat,’ said Dyche. ‘A reminder of what we’re about, how far we’ve come, how proud I am to work with them. We’ve been written off many times — it’s shoulders back, take on the challenge.’
An evenly matched first half ended with two Burnley goals in as many minutes. The first arrived when Vydra pounced on a second rebound yards out to smash home.
The second was easier on the eye. Playmaker Gudmundsson’s looping a ball over the heads of two defenders to find Lennon at the far post was a welcome reminder of his ability — as was Lennon’s deft, sliding finish. Following the interval Bournemouth would have found a way back in had Joe Hart not denied the impressive David Brooks with his legs. Gareth Southgate, watching, will have taken note.
With the visitors desperate, Burnley took full advantage, making it three when Gudmundsson’s volley hit a post and substitute Barnes was there to tap-in. Two minutes remained when Lennon teed up Barnes on another break.
‘I don’t think 4-0 is reflective of the game,’ said Howe. ‘We were a bit naive chasing the goals.’
Dyche has the final, bullish, word. ‘They saw through all the noise,’ he said of his players, before revealing the impact of last season’s heroics. ‘A success hangover is well used in business. We finished seventh. That can weirdly bring a bit of confusion. This is a start, not a finish. We will change our story, we don’t worry what everyone else thinks.’