Premier League 2018/19 review: Burnley’s thin squad feels impact of Europa League
Burnley’s season started at the end of July in the preliminary rounds of the Europa League and never really got going from the moment they were knocked out of the competition by Olympiakos in August. Sean Dyche defied the odds to get the Clarets into Europe but participation in the competition was always going to harm their league form this season due to their relatively small squad.
Without the benefits of a full pre-season, it’s little surprise Burnley finished the season with 14 fewer points than they did when they finished seventh in 2017/18. Sean Dyche’s side reached the 40 points mark this season and then lost their final three league games to conclude the campaign in 15th.
Burnley are renowned for their defensive solidity under Dyche and not being particularly entertaining on the eye, but they even struggled in that regard this season. They shipped 29 more goals this season than they did in 2017/18, conceding at least four goals in six matches.
For all of Burnley’s struggles, Dyche’s side were never really in any danger of going down but it was still a very tough campaign for the Clarets and they will welcome the break to regroup and come again next season.
Top rated player – James Tarkowski (7.11)
Given the nature of Burnley’s style of play, it is therefore unsurprising their highest WhoScored rated player in the Premier League this season is a defender.
James Tarkowski only missed three league games for Burnley this season and was eye-catching at both ends of the field. The England international was typically effective when Burnley were defending and also chipped in with three goals himself, having failed to score at all in the campaign before.
The 26-year-old won more WhoScored Man of the Match awards than any other Burnley player in the Premier League this season (3) and blocked the most shots in the division (56).
Biggest Disappointment – Ben Gibson
One of the players Burnley signed last summer to bolster their options for European football was Ben Gibson, who they made their club-record signing from Middlesbrough.
The 25-year-old had been linked to Chelsea the summer before in a deal worth £30m and Burnley will now be delighted they got the 26-year-old through for half that fee.
Gibson’s maiden campaign for Burnley was hugely underwhelming, failing to break Ben Mee and James Tarkowski’s partnership and making just one Premier League appearance all season. It doesn’t speak well of your season when your highlight is a red card in your second appearance for the club.
Surprise Package – Dwight McNeil
It’s not often Sean Dyche trusts in youth players, just ask Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. That is what makes Dwight McNeil’s breakthrough even more impressive this season.
In fact, only Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon (2298) amassed more minutes in the Premier League than McNeil (1599) of all teenagers in the Premier League this season.
McNeil played a direct hand in eight league goals across his 21 league appearances (three goals, five assists) and they helped Burnley earn an additional six points, which was the difference between the Clarets and the bottom three.
Where to Improve – Squad depth
It will be difficult for Burnley to improve significantly over the summer due to their financial resources. Burnley are dwarfed by other clubs off the pitch and Sean Dyche will have to continue beating relegation on a shoe string budget.
Burnley are strong in certain areas of the pitch, namely in goal and in central defence, but there is certainly room for improvement elsewhere. Dyche will certainly bring through new faces before the start of next season and they will have to be additions that improve his options.
The Clarets have already confirmed Stephen Ward will leave the club when his contract expires this summer and he will require a replacement at left-back to provide competition with Charlie Taylor.
Depending on whether Steven Defour and Johann Gudmundsson can shake off their injury woes for next season, Burnley may have to sign another central midfielder and right winger, respectively.
League Position: 15th
Grade: C
