Chris Wood.

[Rileybobs]

Embarrassing to see the people who can't give credit where it's due.

Just logged on after a crazy match and I thought this thread had been started after the game. Really surprised to see it was started at half time because I thought Wood was decent in the first half, held the ball up well considering the limited service he received. Certainly not one of the worst players.

Second half he was very good, his hold up play improved, unsurprisingly, as we got bodies forward to support him. Likewise, Pieters and Cork advancing gave McNeill a lot more space to work in - surely something the management need to take from that second half. That culminated in the fantastic cross which we know Wood is clinical with, and what a great header it was.

To top off his performance, and demonstrate why he often completes 90 minutes, he was on the edge of our six yard box to head clear from Villa's final, and dangerous looking attack in the 94th minute.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Of course it's true as Jay wasn't playing for us then. Also Jay has had some terrible injuries. Yet Jay has still scored more Premier league goals than Wood.

Also 10 goals in 38 games is not prolific in any sense but if that makes you feel good then so be it

Since that injury, Jay has played 120 premier league games. Pretty much as many as Wood has in his career at this level. He has had plenty of opportunity to grab ten goals a season.

I am not saying Wood is prolific - if he was, he wouldnt be here. But any striker would do well to score ten in a side that sets up like ours - primarily to defend and with limited creativity and ability going forwards. So to do so every season, you cant ask for much more.

He is our best goalscorer by a mile.

[BabylonClaret]

Impossible as they've had nowhere near the game time. I guarantee both Jay and Vyds would if they started every game though. Stupid stats like the one you've given aren't at all relevant to current form and DO NOT take minutes on the pitch into consideration.

Jay might but there is no way Vydra would score 10 in a season. His touch in front of goal is by far the worst of all our strikers. He is quick and has a nice touch at times but in front of goal is woeful

[Hedontplayforyou]

Well done Wood for sticking at it, his first half display was dismal but second half much better and to cap it off he nods in the winner! Our best finisher and hopefully this starts a good run for the big man.

[warksclaret]

McNeil has been simply outstanding since returning.

Looks like he’s actually gained a yard of pace too.

He has been his old self since coming back.Since being on the bench he has been tremendous.Forgot how good he can be-when he plays well, we usually win

[DomBFC1882]

Since that injury, Jay has played 120 premier league games. Pretty much as many as Wood has in his career at this level. He has had plenty of opportunity to grab ten goals a season.

I am not saying Wood is prolific - if he was, he wouldnt be here. But any striker would do well to score ten in a side that sets up like ours - primarily to defend and with limited creativity and ability going forwards. So to do so every season, you cant ask for much more.

He is our best goalscorer by a mile.

Correct he is factually our best goalscorer however if Vyds played with him he would score more he just needs games and match sharpness. The reason we persist with Wood so much is down to his defensive qualities.

[DomBFC1882]

Jay might but there is no way Vydra would score 10 in a season. His touch in front of goal is by far the worst of all our strikers. He is quick and has a nice touch at times but in front of goal is woeful

Needs game time its that simple. If his touch and composure was that bad he wouldn't have finished top scorer in the championship stop kidding yourself

[beeholeclaret]

What a time for Wood to strike gold and hopefully start a run of goals which he is capable of. We need all 4 of our strikers to be on their game and give us an alternative if things arent going well. Each of them offers something different. We have suffered so many injuries and do not have the strength in depth that many of the 'moneybags' clubs have. Good to see Cork back in the side and his skillful ball retention and short passing and promptings seemed to provide McNeil with the encouragement to drive forward into dangerous areas which he has rarely done this season. The end result of all that is what we saw in the last half hour this evening. Brilliant to watch that! UTC

[Silkyskills1]

'I thought Wood was decent in the first half'

Really? Leaving him on the pitch was vindicated in the end and he scored a tremendous winner but his first 45 minutes were woeful on my TV screen.

[Rileybobs]

Correct he is factually our best goalscorer however if Vyds played with him he would score more he just needs games and match sharpness. The reason we persist with Wood so much is down to his defensive qualities.

You don't know that Vydra would score more goals - you're just speculating with nothing to back up your speculation. We don't persist with Wood for his defensive qualities - thats one of the important factors he brings to the team. The main reason Dyche persists with Wood is because he's our most clinical goalscorer, it really is that simple.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Correct he is factually our best goalscorer however if Vyds played with him he would score more he just needs games and match sharpness. The reason we persist with Wood so much is down to his defensive qualities.

I don't know if you are fishing. And I've fallen for it. But we don't have anyone as good in front of goal. And as good as he is on corners at the other end, its hardly reason to play him.

While our other strikers all have their attributes, there is no evidence that any of them would ever score as many and as consistently as wood.

[KlyBfc]

Not sure either forward can be judged on that first half. 7 of the 9 players behind them were absolutely shocking. Second half, Cork on, team stepped forward, play built better and this they had more of a chance, as we saw.
Chris Wood was excellent in that second half, lead the line well, worked hard and his header is ridiculously good. It’s hard to appreciate how skilful a header that was, leaning back / out swinging ball / generated his own pace and guided into arguably the only spot he’d score.
Though I’m one of those who also doesn’t think his performances have been as bad as some suggest.

[Rileybobs]

'I thought Wood was decent in the first half'

Really? Leaving him on the pitch was vindicated in the end and he scored a tremendous winner but his first 45 minutes were woeful on my TV screen.

Fair enough, if that's how you saw it. I didn't think his actual game was much better in the second half to be honest. He held the ball a bit better mainly due to the better balls into him and the bodies we got around him. He scored a great header and was unlucky with his first time shot from the pull back, but neither of those things were him playing better - it was because chances were created for him. I expect he would have put that header in in the first half had we got into a position to put the cross into him.

[DomBFC1882]

I don't know if you are fishing. And I've fallen for it. But we don't have anyone as good in front of goal. And as good as he is on corners at the other end, its hardly reason to play him.

While our other strikers all have their attributes, there is no evidence that any of them would ever score as many and as consistently as wood.

I respectfully disagree. No one can say definitively either way who would score more given the same opportunities but imo Vydra would given the same game time. They were both top goalscorers in the championship so they both clearly know where the back of the net is. I believe our style of play with both starting up front would cause teams all sorts of problems and would be the classic big man little man.

No fishing intended

[DomBFC1882]

You don't know that Vydra would score more goals - you're just speculating with nothing to back up your speculation. We don't persist with Wood for his defensive qualities - thats one of the important factors he brings to the team. The main reason Dyche persists with Wood is because he's our most clinical goalscorer, it really is that simple.

And you don't know he won't as they don't get the same minutes on the pitch. It's honestly not that difficult to realise that which means you can't come to a conclusion of Wood scoring more

[Rileybobs]

And you don't know he won't as they don't get the same minutes on the pitch. It's honestly not that difficult to realise that which means you can't come to a conclusion of Wood scoring more

I also don't know whether Long would score more than Wood, but I have statistics, and my own eyes to make a judgement call on that. As does Dyche - who's judgement is clearly better than ours.

[Cubanclaret]

I’d love to live in a world where people didn’t slag off our players in public while matches are in progress. Constructive criticism is one thing, but really what’s to be gained. You either end up looking stupid or end up coming across like a right arse. I think Wood’s been right out of form and seemingly low on confidence but he worked his socks off tonight and was instrumental in our victory. Probably the only man on the pitch who scores that with a cross just behind him. Well done Chris. This has possibly been the best week of my 40& years of watching Burnley. I know lockdown is tough for people but some on here need to just a have a word with themselves before they post.

[ClaretMat]

I thought he was very poor in the first half but came out in the second like a new man. He was making good runs down the side of the full backs, holding it up well and winning a good amount in the air but most of all looked a real threat. The best he has played in a long, long time. He is definitely a confidence player but that second half should have done wonders, really helped us turn the tide.

[DomBFC1882]

I also don't know whether Long would score more than Wood, but I have statistics, and my own eyes to make a judgement call on that. As does Dyche - who's judgement is clearly better than ours.

Stats which are irrelevant unless you take into several factors of which minutes on the pitch are most important.

And hmmmmm if your eyes like 1 goal in 7 strikers then so be it. My eyes actually see the impact of the players and have substance of top goalscorer in the championship to back mine up.

[Rileybobs]

Stats which are irrelevant unless you take into several factors of which minutes on the pitch are most important.

And hmmmmm if your eyes like 1 goal in 7 strikers then so be it. My eyes actually see the impact of the players and have substance of top goalscorer in the championship to back mine up.

OK, I'm not going to question your ridiculous 1 in 7 statistic. But this is a thread about Chris Wood - why are you wittering on about Vydra?

I think the reason that some people are taking exception to your posts, certainly why I am, is because you're stating as a fact that Vydra would score more than Wood over a season. You may be right, we'll probably never know, but you can't claim it as a fact. You're just guessing.

[DomBFC1882]

OK, I'm not going to question your ridiculous 1 in 7 statistic. But this is a thread about Chris Wood - why are you wittering on about Vydra?

I think the reason that some people are taking exception to your posts, certainly why I am, is because you're stating as a fact that Vydra would score more than Wood over a season. You may be right, we'll probably never know, but you can't claim it as a fact. You're just guessing.

I'm stating that it is my belief he would and they should be starting as a 2.

Also if you read the thread properly you will see there was several "i told you so" posters to comment who clearly want to provoke a response as if anyone dare hold another option then they must be wrong. As I say 1 goal in 7 isn't good but fair play to him today the goal was quality

[Top Claret]

Chris was brilliant tonight and deserves some slack. If he is given the proper service he will score the goals.

[Rileybobs]

I'm stating that it is my belief he would and they should be starting as a 2.

Also if you read the thread properly you will see there was several "i told you so" posters to comment who clearly want to provoke a response as if anyone dare hold another option then they must be wrong. As I say 1 goal in 7 isn't good but fair play to him today the goal was quality

I think you'll find that its 1 goal in 1.

[DomBFC1882]

I think you'll find that its 1 goal in 1.

How many this season? The fact you have to defend him by coming out with that says it all tbh. I wonder if you say that about our other players when they score.

[dandeclaret]

What a brilliant, brilliant header. Another moment of class from the big man. He's been brilliant for the club since he arrived. It's a rare breed of striker who gets double figure goals in 3 consecutive seasons. Hopefully the scoring streak starts here, and he can head on for double figures again.

Brilliant to see Dwight back at his flying best too, the enforced break looks to have done him the world of good.

Edit - Jack Cork - though - now he is class.

[Iloveyoubrady]

Wood has a great scoring record for us - 39 in 123 games is 0.32 per game. 49% shot accuracy. Very solid stats. Yes he is sometimes Frustrating but 4 goals at half way stage this season suggests he could get double figures again.

[Rileybobs]

How many this season? The fact you have to defend him by coming out with that says it all tbh. I wonder if you say that about our other players when they score.

Well this season he has got 4 goals in 19 appearances - which is 1 in 4.75 - nowhere near 1 in 7. In his time with Burnley in the PL he has scored pretty much bob 1 in 3. So I really don't understand where you're going with these stats.

[LeadBelly]

Not sure either forward can be judged on that first half. 7 of the 9 players behind them were absolutely shocking. Second half, Cork on, team stepped forward, play built better and this they had more of a chance, as we saw.
Chris Wood was excellent in that second half, lead the line well, worked hard and his header is ridiculously good. It’s hard to appreciate how skilful a header that was, leaning back / out swinging ball / generated his own pace and guided into arguably the only spot he’d score.
Though I’m one of those who also doesn’t think his performances have been as bad as some suggest.

Yes that was an excellent goal, it reminded me of the one Sam scored at Southampton a few seasons back to win us that game. For both, the ball in was a bit behind the player so he couldnt get great power so went for a downwards guide into the bottom corner. Southampton fans complained about the keeper for Sam's and I think Villa's keeper has also been criticised; just at excellently taken chance by the striker.

[chekhov]

On the other hand, he has scored double figures in every season at this level for us - three in a row.

Name another striker that has done that for us.

Would you stop quoting those stupid stats, cricketfieldclarets. You’re not helping Dom1882’s case.

[DomBFC1882]

Well this season he has got 4 goals in 19 appearances - which is 1 in 4.75 - nowhere near 1 in 7. In his time with Burnley in the PL he has scored pretty much bob 1 in 3. So I really don't understand where you're going with these stats.

Okay so 4 goals in 19 is dreadful for any striker irreregardless of who they play for

[DomBFC1882]

He's currently on course to score 8 in 38 games

[dandeclaret]

Okay so 4 goals in 19 is dreadful for any striker irreregardless of who they play for

Oh no Dom..... you're opening yourself up to some silly comments here for people who will just go and look at the scorers table. I reckon they might thrown Cavani and Werner back at you. Might be time to go and have a break - honestly - it's not worth it.

[DomBFC1882]

ķ
Oh no Dom..... you're opening yourself up to some silly comments here for people who will just go and look at the scorers table. I reckon they might thrown Cavani and Werner back at you. Might be time to go and have a break - honestly - it's not worth it.

They're more than welcome too but do bear in mind its their first season in the Premier league and foreigners do have trouble settling on many occasions.

[Rileybobs]

Okay so 4 goals in 19 is dreadful for any striker irreregardless of who they play for

I think dreadful is overstating it. Had he scored the penalty against Liverpool, for example, he would have been on 5 goals at the halfway point of the season. But he's on 4 goals which for him has to be classed as a disappointing first half to the season - although at a current rate of 8 goals a season that can't be classed as dreadful irregardless of club. There's a number of teams who would love one of those. So what's your point?

[DomBFC1882]

I think dreadful is overstating it. Had he scored the penalty against Liverpool, for example, he would have been on 5 goals at the halfway point of the season. But he's on 4 goals which for him has to be classed as a disappointing first half to the season - although at a current rate of 8 goals a season that can't be classed as dreadful irregardless of club. There's a number of teams who would love one of those. So what's your point?

My point is 4 goals in 19 is not at all good. What's yours? By comparing awful to awful doesn't make your point valid.

[dandeclaret]

Dom - enjoy the win - that's what it's all about. Wood scored a cracker, you should be celebrating it - it's won the team 3 points, and got him off the cold list. He's a streaky scorer, and hopefully this starts him off again. He's the best striker at the club, and that is really unarguable.

Enjoy the win, enjoy the goals, look forward to the next one.

[DomBFC1882]

Dom - enjoy the win - that's what it's all about. Wood scored a cracker, you should be celebrating it - it's won the team 3 points, and got him off the cold list. He's a streaky scorer, and hopefully this starts him off again. He's the best striker at the club, and that is really unarguable.

Enjoy the win, enjoy the goals, look forward to the next one.

I agree and I am fully enjoying the win and all 3 great goals. Let's hope he gets to 10 then

[Rileybobs]

My point is 4 goals in 19 is not at all good. What's yours? By comparing awful to awful doesn't make your point valid.

My point is that 4 goals in 19 isn't good, but that it is stupid to entirely dismiss what he's done in his preceding 100+ games for us. The whole side has not been creative enough this season, the other forwards also haven't scored enough goals. So whilst Wood has been below par thus far there are strong signs in the last couple of games that he's getting back to his best, aided in no small part by his team mates.

[Greenmile]

My point is 4 goals in 19 is not at all good...

It’s better than 1 in 7, though, which was where you started.

Although not as good as 1 in 1, which is an equally valid stat.

[DomBFC1882]

My point is that 4 goals in 19 isn't good, but that it is stupid to entirely dismiss what he's done in his preceding 100+ games for us. The whole side has not been creative enough this season, the other forwards also haven't scored enough goals. So whilst Wood has been below par thus far there are strong signs in the last couple of games that he's getting back to his best, aided in no small part by his team mates.

I don't disagree with that at all Riley. I want him to score of course, my point is that he is lucky to still be playing and if it was any other manager he probably wouldn't be but as you say SD knows more than both of us. Its frustrating when you can see the ability of Vydra and how he makes such an impact but doesn't get the same chance to get to Woods goalscoring record as none of us know whether he would only score 4 or 5 or he could score 12-18.

Anyway as long as we are winning i don't care so UTC and take care

[Tall Paul]

Of course it's true as Jay wasn't playing for us then. Also Jay has had some terrible injuries. Yet Jay has still scored more Premier league goals than Wood.

No he hasn't.

You seem to be borderline obsessive about Wood tbh and clearly incapable of saying anything positive about him.

[DomBFC1882]

It’s better than 1 in 7, though, which was where you started.

Although not as good as 1 in 1, which is an equally valid stat.

I think you'll find stats are often referred to over a shorter timescale in punditry. You often hear lines like "Newcastle haven't scored in 9" rather than "Newcastle have scored 20 in 42" for example.

Yes I made the last examples figures up

[DomBFC1882]

No he hasn't.

You seem to be borderline obsessive about Wood tbh and clearly incapable of saying anything positive about him.

You've clearly not read the thread. If you had you'd have realised I said it was a good goal

[Tall Paul]

You've clearly not read the thread. If you had you'd have realised I said it was a good goal

I said Vydra did well at weekend but that didn't stop you aiming pretty much those exact words at me did it?

[RalphCoatesComb]

Chris Wood is a proven Premier League goalscorer. Givem the service, he will score !

[DomBFC1882]

You've clearly not read the thread. If you had you'd have realised I said it was a good goal

And yes he has. Jay has scored more Premier league goals than Wood, do some research before telling me im wrong

[DomBFC1882]

I said Vydra did well at weekend but that didn't stop you aiming pretty much those exact words at me did it?

Excuse me?

[Stalbansclaret]

That was an absolutely brilliant third goal........Chris Wood has been a tremendous player for us over the last 3 years. Has ha d a tricky spell but, as Dyche knows. he is a natural goalscorer and will bounce back. In fact I think he just has.

[Tall Paul]

And yes he has. Jay has scored more Premier league goals than Wood, do some research before telling me im wrong

Are you sure?

[Tall Paul]

Excuse me?

https://www.uptheclarets.com/messageboa ... 4#p1479774