Frustration is growing at Turf Moor over the abject nature of their futile attempts to stay in the Premier League. Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo condemned Burnley to their 11th home defeat in 14 matches to provide Bournemouth with a first victory since Boxing Day.
The form table does not lie and the teams arrived as the two worst in the league, having secured five points between them in the calendar year. Neither showed much in the way of confidence and, despite being far the better team, Burnley rarely looked like scoring, instead having to accept a fate with which they have become far too familiar, leading to upset in the stands.
“That is the same after every defeat in every club,” Kompany said of the boos. “I have known nothing else my entire career but as long as they are there at the start and supporting you throughout the game, then it is just something that you have to deal with in football.”
Burnley are a club with strong traditions. Under Sean Dyche in the Premier League, everyone knew what to expect from them: they were direct and robust, hassling teams constantly to punch above their weight. Under Vincent Kompany, and back in the top flight, they are equally predictable. They have a strong start, look dangerous in the final third until failing to deal with something straightforward and going behind. “The absurdity of this job is that I feel like I have improved more than I ever have in my life but in reality because you are judged by results, you are probably not having to tell this story until you are back winning,” Kompany said. “These moments are useful but they are not nice.”
In the opening five minutes Bournemouth were put under plenty of pressure, leading to Wilson Odobert’s first-time shot, Burnley’s first on target in three games, from a Lorenz Assignon cross but Neto saved without fuss. There was plenty of zip and energy to what Burnley did in the early stages, but it really is the hope that kills you.
Neto launched the ball up the pitch and Burnley failed to deal with it, allowing Lewis Cook to lob a pass over the top for Kluivert. The Dutch forward took control, Dara O’Shea sold himself easily before Kluivert thrashed the ball in from close range. “It was [avoidable] but it is the type of league that will punish you on these types of moments,” Kompany said. “It can be the reason why you concede or the reason why you don’t score, that is just part of operating at this level. The disappointment is that you cannot capitalise on something [a performance] that had so many positive elements.”
Burnley were the better team, dominating possession without finding the cutting edge that has escaped them. Bournemouth knew they were in a game and were trying to slow down proceedings, wasting time whenever they had a restart. Kompany was clearly irked by these shenanigans, repeatedly making the fourth official aware of his annoyance.
It looked like a Burnley player would never score again but one did put the ball in the net when Josh Cullen turned home from a few yards. David Coote assessed that the Bournemouth right-back Smith had been pushed in the back in the buildup and chalked it off, much to Kompany’s chagrin. The Burnley boss said it was a “50:50” decision but feels most of those situations go against his team.
Bournemouth’s ambition was limited, happy to soak up the consistent pressure while being confident Burnley would be unable to take any scoring opportunities. Andoni Iraola’s side wanted to play on the counter, knowing if they could turn Burnley’s fragile defence quickly, they could do some damage.
Semenyo eventually sealed the points by dribbling into the box before his shot was deflected in off Charlie Taylor. Cue the home crowd exiting at a pace, booing as they went. ““For us it is a much-needed win,” Iraola said. “We have played worse than the last games we played against Newcastle and Man City but we take the win. I was disappointed with the performance in the first half.”
You make your own luck in this game and the Clarets have enjoyed none. Burnley are accustomed to this type of defeat and they cannot complain that they are 11 points from safety with as many to play.
