Premier League winners and losers: Deja vu for Burnley
By Ty Finch
Loser: Déjà vu
Burnley have had a terrific start to the Premier League season. They sit in seventh place after 13 matches and have only given up 10 goals so far, tied for third in the league. By all accounts, they have been playing beyond their means, and Sean Dyche has gotten the absolute best out of the squad.
But against Arsenal, Burnley just can’t seem to find a way to win. Their last win against the Gunners came in 2008 in the League Cup, and the Clarets have yet to beat them in the Premier League. In the last three contests featuring the two teams, Arsenal have scored in the 90th minute or later to clinch all three points. The last two have come on added time penalties from Alexis Sanchez. Sunday was quite a familiar feeling for both sides.
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To be fair to Arsenal, they probably deserved the win. After a shaky start to the first half, the Gunners found their footing and had the better chances all game. They also had a penalty appeal earlier in the second half When Hector Bellerin cut back inside the box and was taken down. Still, the all-too-familiar result cannot feel good for Burnley’s supporters and Dyche.
Given how badly some of the usual Europa League challengers have been this season, Burnley could been fighting for a spot alongside Watford. It’s not as if Dyche’s style of play is unsustainable; Burnley bunker defensively and fight hard for every ball. Their shape will keep them in most games, even against bigger sides. Just not against Arsenal, apparently.