Burnley manager Sean Dyche says a couple of “big decisions” in his team selection contributed to a vital win over West Ham at Turf Moor.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton excelled after being recalled at the expense of Joe Hart and 19-year-old Dwight McNeil, also included as one of five changes to the side thumped 5-1 by Everton on Boxing Day, scored the Clarets’ second goal.
“Joe has been magnificent for us and credit to him because he was the first to jump up at the end when Tom makes a big save,” said Dyche, who had seen his side lose their previous three league matches.
“I decided the time was right for Dwight, who is a clever player who has some quality and ability. His family should take some pride in what he’s doing. He’ll get stronger and fitter and we hope he’ll continue growing with the team.”
Chris Wood put Burnley in charge with a right-footed finish from the left of the penalty area to conclude a sweeping move involving Heaton, Ashley Westwood, McNeil and Ashley Barnes.
And with the hosts repeatedly carving through the visitors, they pressed home their advantage before the interval, when 19-year-old McNeil turned in Westwood’s cross at the far post.
It was a disappointing end to a strong December for West Ham, who arrived in Lancashire on the back of five wins from six games.
Despite the return of Marko Arnautovic, playing for the first time since injuring his hamstring at Cardiff on 4 December, Manuel Pellegrini’s side were sluggish throughout with their best chance, a header from substitute Andy Carroll, drawing a fine save from Heaton late on.
The only crumb of comfort for the Hammers was that both Wood and Barnes spurned several excellent opportunities after the break to make Burnley’s win more emphatic.
The win lifts Burnley above Fulham into 18th and level on points with 17th-placed Southampton, who lost to Manchester City.
A run of six defeats from their last seven games has raised question marks over Dyche’s position for the first time in his six-year tenure.
While the club finished seventh in the Premier League last season, that success was largely built on a solid defensive base. In contrast, the defence has been porous this term – leaking 41 goals so far, two more than the entire 2017-18 campaign.
And with failed attempts to combat that problem including the deployment of five defenders in their last three matches – all ending in defeats – Dyche reverted to type with a 4-4-2 formation.
Source – BBC
