There is increasing dissatisfaction at Turf Moor due to the dismal manner in which they are trying to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Goals from Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo resulted in Burnley’s 11th loss at home in 14 games, giving Bournemouth their first win since Boxing Day.
The standings clearly indicate that the two teams ranked at the bottom of the league. Together, they have only accumulated five points so far this year. Both teams lacked confidence and, despite Burnley being the stronger team, they struggled to find scoring chances. Unfortunately, it seems that Burnley has become accustomed to this disappointing outcome.
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.
During the initial five minutes, Bournemouth faced significant pressure which resulted in a first-time shot by Wilson Odobert, the first on target for Burnley in three games. This shot was from a cross by Lorenz Assignon, however, it was easily saved by Neto. Burnley showed a lot of energy and tempo in the beginning, but unfortunately, it is hope that often leads to disappointment.
Neto kicked the ball towards the front of the field and Burnley was unable to handle it. This gave Lewis Cook the opportunity to make a high pass for Kluivert. The Dutch player then took control, easily deceiving Dara O’Shea before shooting the ball into the goal from a short distance.
Burnley were the better team, dominating possession without finding the cutting edge that has escaped them all season. 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.
Burnley had four back-to-back opportunities, all of which were promising. Initially, David Fofana attempted a toe-poke but was thwarted, followed by Jacob Bruun Larsen’s blocked follow-up by Adam Smith. Bruun Larsen then tried a free-kick, but the goalkeeper made a superb save beneath the bar. Finally, Vitinho headed a shot over the net from a short distance. At this point, it seemed like Burnley may never score again. There is a possibility they won’t.
A player from Burnley successfully scored when Josh Cullen turned the ball into the net from a short distance. However, referee David Coote deemed that Bournemouth’s right-back, Smith, was pushed in the back during the play and disallowed the goal, causing frustration for Kompany.
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Bournemouth had modest aspirations, content to withstand the steady onslaught while trusting that Burnley would not be able to capitalize on any chances to score. Andoni Iraola’s team aimed to counterattack, recognizing that if they could swiftly exploit Burnley’s vulnerable defense, they could inflict some harm.
Semenyo was presented with two great opportunities to score on a counter attack, potentially crushing Burnley’s morale. However, he missed both shots. He ultimately secured the win by skillfully moving through the defenders and taking a shot that ricocheted off Charlie Taylor and into the goal. As a result, the home crowd began exiting the stadium quickly, expressing their disappointment with boos.
One creates their own destiny in this competition and the Clarets have not been lucky. Burnley is familiar with losses like this and they cannot argue that they are 11 points away from securing their position with the same number of games remaining.
Source: theguardian.com
