Kompany’s men back on track in five-star display
VINCENT KOMPANY’S revamped Burnley finally lit the claret and blue touchpaper with a derby thrashing of Wigan.
The Belgian legend’s team had flattered to deceive this season, bossing games but failing to kill off opponents and conceding goals at crucial moments.
But after losing 13 players in the summer and bringing in 13 fresh faces, he got both a big performance and a decisive result at the DW Stadium thanks initially to the Brazilian magic of Vitinho, who created the first two goals for Jay Rodriguez and Josh Brownhill.
And when Latics threatened a comeback after Will Keane’s penalty, the Clarets switched up a couple of gears to clinch it with goals from Nathan Tella, Brownhill again and sub Samuel Bastien.
Clarets boss Kompany was delighted as his players and the huge away following fed off each other: “It was rocket fuel today, that’s the beauty of these types of away games.
“You get 5,000 fans with you – and every goal you feel you’re celebrating with such a huge following.
“I told the players to go and score goals, go and celebrate with the fans, give them something to cheer about.
“Doomsday scenarios were put forward and I’m happy we have a team that the fans can be proud of.
“I can’t guarantee results just yet. I can’t say it’s gonna be a walk in a park.
“But the lads run their socks off and they’re giving the fans something to, you know, to look forward to.”
Burnley got a great start when Vitinho’s dangerous cross to the far post was not dealt with by a hesitant Latics defence and Rodriguez gleefully lashed it home on 17 minutes.
The Brazilian, was at it again ten minutes later, nutmegging Tendayi Darikwa and crossing for Brownhill to hammer home a rising drive.
Previously unbeaten Wigan briefly muscled their way back into the game before the break when Callum Lang broke clear and was clattered by keeper Aro Muric, Keane tucking away from the spot.
But the revival was short-lived as Burnley turned on the style in the second half.
Tella found the far corner and Brownhill fired in his second from a pass by Bastien, who added a late fifth as Jack Cork shredded the flagging home side’s defence.
Wigan boss Leam Richardson’s misery on a “tough” day was complete when Darikwa was forced off with a shoulder injury.
WIGAN: Jones 6, Kerr 4, Whatmough 5, Tilt 5 (Magennis (72) 6), Darikwa 6 (Nvambe (59) 6), Naylor 5, Shinnie 5 (Broadhead (72) 6), McClean 5, Power 5, Lang 7, Keane 6 (Aasgard (72) 6) BURNLEY: Muric 6, Roberts 7, HarwoodBellis 7, Taylor 6, Vitinho 8 (Egan-Riley (90) 6), Brownhill 8 (Benson (90) 6), Cork 7, Cullen 7, Berg Gudmundsson 7 (Churlinov (66) 6), Rodriguez 8 (Barnes (77) 6), Tella 8 (Bastien (77) 7)
STAR MAN: Vitinho. Combined Brazilian creativity and Lancashire defensive grit in a complete display.
James Bell 7