Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has been surprised by Burnley’s struggles this season, saying the Clarets’ performances have warranted more points than they have collected.
Burnley travel to Molineux to face 13th-placed Wolves on Tuesday, having ended a run of six successive Premier League defeats by routing fellow relegation candidates Sheffield United 5-0 on Saturday.
The Clarets remain in the relegation zone – two points adrift of Luton Town in 17th – after enduring a difficult start to the campaign, having been tipped by some to make light work of the step up from the Championship after signing 15 players during the transfer window.
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O’Neil believes Vincent Kompany’s men have done enough to earn more than the seven points they have collected thus far, warning his own team that they will face a stern test on Tuesday.
“They’ve spent a decent amount of money on an already fairly talented group. They will be a tough test, no doubt,” O’Neil said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“No one wants to be at the bottom. I didn’t see them as one that would struggle. Points-wise, they probably have less than they deserve, from what I’ve seen.
“Fine margins can decide games, and we work so hard to swing them in our favour. Their result at the weekend will give them hope they can pull away from that.
On home turf tomorrow 🐺 pic.twitter.com/mtLtJcIsMb
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 4, 2023
“The difference between the top of the Premier League and not the top isn’t as big as people think.
“If you’re five per cent down from your level you will lose any game, the level is extremely high. We know we have to be at our best and at 100 per cent.
“Burnley are a threat, they scored five goals in a Premier League game. Their forward players have some real ability. They will be a test tomorrow.”
