Premier League legend Roy Keane offered a scathing assessment of Burnley’s defending after the relegation-threatened Clarets conceded an early goal in their potentially vital home match against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Vincent Kompany’s side registered an expected goals tally of 1.21 which was more than double their opponents’ total during the first period, restricting the Cherries to only three touches in their box aside from Justin Kluivert’s opener.
Burnley also finished the half having had 74% of possession, but Keane accused Irish compatriot Dara O’Shea of “switching off” to allow Kluivert to lash Bournemouth ahead.
“They’ve been punished all season,” said former Manchester United captain Keane, speaking to Sky Sports about strugglers with one clean sheet in their last 14 matches in all competitions and the worst defensive record in the top flight apart from bottom side Sheffield United.
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“It’s a lovely finish but Kompany will be so frustrated. It’s poor defending. They’ve played some decent stuff and created some good chances but you can’t keep conceding daft goals.
“When you get chances to put the ball in the back of the net – they’ve not done it enough this season. It’s frustrating for the manager, the coaching staff and the fans.”
Justin KLUIVERT 💥💥💥 PIC.TWITTER.COM/IBGW5NDU5X
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) MARCH 3, 2024
Burnley goals drought goes on
Burnley should have scored at least once at Turf Moor in their search for a first win in 10 games, including eight defeats.
David Datro Fofana broke through but was denied by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto before Jacob Bruun Larsen could not make the most of the rebound.
Bruun Larsen went far closer when his venomous free-kick was narrowly kept off the line by Neto.
The 2022/23 Championship winners started the day 11 points behind fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest with a vastly inferior goal difference.
Ominously for the home fans, Burnley had lost all but one of their previous 19 Premier League games in which they’d conceded first, last winning from that predicament during the 2021/22 season.
Kompany’s players have frequently been praised for their attractive style of play this season but urgently needed to make up ground with 12 games of the campaign remaining before kick-off.
