5 things we learnt from Burnley’s last-gasp loss to Arsenal

4-5-1

Summer signing, Hendrick – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The enforced formation change turns the Clarets into a different animal when attacking; Jeff Hendrick is certainly the most advanced out the midfield three.

Dean Marney sits at the base of the midfield, with Steven Defour operating between the two. The problem occurs, however, with the isolation of Sam Vokes, the Welshman cut a lonely figure up front and although the Clarets are more suited to this formation against the top six teams, a man with pace to hit teams on the break may be a better option.

The problem with having 10-men behind the ball, nullifying teams like Arsenal, is that you need to go from defence to attack, directly, and at pace. This didn’t happen for the Clarets yesterday who rely heavily on set pieces.

On the flanks, George Boyd and Gudmundsson are absolutely critical to Burnley achieving success in the way they play. The work wide men have to do for Burnley is a theme that runs through Dyche sides, if wingers cannot put a defensive shift in, they will not be selected.

They operate as extra full-backs when the Clarets are defending and try to support Vokes at the other end. It isn’t conducive to exciting football, but a fundamental part of the Burnley style of play.