Ashley Barnes - goal, gritty, game-winner...GLADIATOR!!

[jdrobbo]

They say that your attack is the first line if defence...well take a bow Ashley Barnes. A performance of colossal proportions.

A heroic effort from the squad and quie brilliantly setup by our wonderful manager.

The perfect away performance...at last!

Up The Clarets!!!!

[Belgianclaret]

All the lads put in a terrific performance.

[jdrobbo]

They sure did!!!!

[jedi_master]

My man of match, what a fighter.

He leaves nothing in the dressing room - gives everything he possibly can and that is what makes him a Premier League player. An absolute pest.

[boatshed bill]

I love Ash Barnes, makes the absolute most of what he has.

[IndigoLake]

He has his critics on here but I have long professed my man love for Ashley Barnes. He's brilliant.

[SussexDon1inIreland]

SUPER ASH

UTC

[Imploding Turtle]

He's still a cock.

[Buxtonclaret]

MoM today.
Big Sam was immense too.
Top, top quality hold up play by both.

[JonBerro]

Great by dyche as well to bring on gray for a tiring Barnes

[jdrobbo]

Yup, tactics were spot on

[JohnMac]

Dyche got it spot on today and everyone performed, no hiding, no shirking!

UTC

[Cleveleys_claret]

I have been one of his biggest critics. Today though Ash was an absolute beast. He was everywhere. His touch and link up play were superb

[Lancasterclaret]

The performances from him, Boyd, Arfield, Hendrick and Westwood (in particular) were outstanding. Ditto Tarks and Keane

And what a finish by Gray when we needed it.

[Colburn_Claret]

I've never understood the criticism he gets.
He might not be the most gifted footballer, but he gives 110% and never gives up. A real pain in the arse for defenders as well.

UTC

[Nonayforever]

What a performance by every team member.
Other managers must look at Burnley & Sean Dyche and think how the hell do they do that ?

[KlyBfc]

I'm often quite critical of Ash for a number of reasons but today he was superb

[ten bellies]

Ashley epitomizes what Burnley are about. It's a fine line to walk, being aggressive within the bounds of what is acceptable to modern refs. He's not always going to get it right, but I'd rather he play as he does, and risk the criticism on here, than be all gentlemanly.

[Tim Burr]

Agree Barnes was good but Westwood, Arfield, Tark, and Vokes all performed well. Great to be there for the win.

[fungus_the_bogeyman]

Who could criticise Ash other than other teams, whose lives he makes a living hell? Gives absolutely everything for the shirt and 100% a Premier League striker. Hope he's a Burnley player for many years to come. I love the man!

[Goodclaret]

WHAT a performance from him! He's such a pain in the ass for opposition defenders and does the ugly stuff so effectively. He is, however, a very good player and fits in to our team ethics so well. He's a bit like Barton, you absolutely hate him playing against us but love him when he's ours.

[Flat Stanley]

Been poor lately and lucky to have a place in the team after recent weeks but was absolutely brilliant in that game. Back to his bothersome best with a goal threat to boot.

[claretspice]

My one criticism of Ashley yesterday was that handball - i don't actually think he needed to use his hand, he could have used the top of his chest.

Its similar to his tendency to get drawn into trying to winning fouls, penalties. He can be a cheating sod at times. But when as he did yesterday he doesn't bother with that and gets on with holding the ball up and moving defenders about, he's a really difficult customer for any centre half.

Mind you, he also benefitted from the game plan yesterday. For much of this season weve seen him trying to slide Gray in, which he's not very good at. It might be the best balance for our team at times, but it exposes his lack if subtlety. But yesterday it was all about holding the ball up and letting others join in, and he's great at that.

[Goalposts]

interesting goal celebration for the disallowed goal

rowing / paddling action with boyd

[CleggHall]

Have they been in the Calder recently?!

[Rammy1968]

Good honest player and plays like he loves every minute of it. Went to the supporters club awards night and he just looks like he appreciates everything he has and is enjoying his opportunity at Burnley. Top man