Barnes at the double to give Burnley best start since 1966
Ashley Barnes has always thrived on a reputation as a Premier League pest, driving defenders to distraction. But that hides a growing threat in front of goal and his double eased Burnley to their biggest opening-day win in the top flight since 1966.
They added to his tally of 12 league goals from last season as the 29-yearold looks more comfortable at this level with each passing year.
Barnes had been his usual busy self for 63 minutes, but when Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard misjudged an up and under from debutant left-back Erik Pieters, Barnes drilled his shot unerringly through the legs of Angus Gunn.
Seven minutes later, he combined again with Pieters, albeit in a more deliberate manner as he emphatically volleyed in the Dutchman’s excellent cross. Two chances and two goals, and such was the quality of the finishes, it was hard to imagine that he had not scored in any pre-season friendlies.
“He did not look like a striker who hadn’t scored,” said Burnley manager Sean Dyche. “His finishes were excellent. Ashley continues to learn about himself and the game. He is certainly a very effective player. He doesn’t go under the radar here with what we think about him. But even if he does, that won’t bother him. Not much does.”
Johann Berg Gudmundsson curled in a third after beating Ryan Bertrand to a bouncing ball as three goals in 12 minutes decided the outcome. The margin was flattering but reflected the key difference between the teams. Saints were neat and tidy if lacking punch, whereas Dyche’s side were clinical. It could have been so different if Southampton new boy Che Adams had converted their best chance inside the opening two minutes. The striker, brought in for £15 million from Birmingham, saw a volley go inches wide.
“We did OK for 60 minutes, but then it was not good enough,” said Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. “One long ball and bad timing from the centre-half and you are suddenly one down, but the next 12 minutes was not acceptable.”