Va tee nee o and Ian

[DCWat]

So much for the system not working with two attacking full backs.

For me, it looked obvious that we’d be better with two full backs pushing on (not necessarily at the same time) and that the system could accommodate playing in that way.

It’s Vitinho’s place to lose now - he offers more than Roberts at both ends.

[ClaretAndJew]

How we've found ourselves with such quality players despite the huge overhaul is something to behold. I've never seen anything like it.

[Cleveleys_claret]

It's brilliant to see after years of "the players aren't out there" the money has been so well spent this summer, large debts paid off, squad players replaced with squad players that will actually play.

Bargains such as Vitinho, Bastien, CJ Egan Riley (who looked good in the short time he was on), obviously the attraction being Kompany, well done all

[gsyclaret]

How we've found ourselves with such quality players despite the huge overhaul is something to behold. I've never seen anything like it.

I honestly wish I could be there every game, hopefully get over next year.

[Rileybobs]

He’s a far better player than Roberts and we look a much more balanced side with him and Maatsen at full back.

Today’s back four should pick itself now. Our issue for large parts of this season has been breaking sides down and today’s defence showed how it’s done. You’ve got to create the extra man by either playing a line-splitting pass, taking a man on or carrying the ball out of defence. Today’s back four offers at least one of those attributes each and by taking a small gamble we found that extra man time and time again in Zaroury who hogged the touch line relentlessly.

Roberts and Taylor are too ponderous and sideways on the ball which gives the opposition chance to sit in and defend with relative ease.

[helmclaret]

So much more balance when Roberts doesn’t play.

We were a threat down both sides today.

[ClaretInLeeds]

Taylor was brilliant in the second half last week, moving the ball far more quickly than anyone else on the pitch.

[Goody1975]

It's brilliant to see after years of "the players aren't out there" the money has been so well spent this summer, large debts paid off, squad players replaced with squad players that will actually play.

Bargains such as Vitinho, Bastien, CJ Egan Riley (who looked good in the short time he was on), obviously the attraction being Kompany, well done all

The players have always been out there, our recruitment over the past decade proves that, the issue is they tended to need time to settle.

We spent two years not buying and it caught us out big style.

The amount of players that have come in and gelled so quickly though is extraordinary.

[BabylonClaret]

The players have always been out there, our recruitment over the past decade proves that, the issue is they tended to need time to settle.

We spent two years not buying and it caught us out big style.

The amount of players that have come in and gelled so quickly though is extraordinary.

This. It was sat ding still for 4-6 windows that cost us

[Jakubs Tash]

Some unfair comments on Roberts. Would be interesting to see us play with Roberts as an attacking full back. He’s not had the luxury to play that role - a role he is far more suited to.

[Cleveleys_claret]

Any team that play their own game against us in this division will get spanked by us, we will probably play better against the top teams that the lower half teams who just put numbers behind the ball

[RVclaret]

Some unfair comments on Roberts. Would be interesting to see us play with Roberts as an attacking full back. He’s not had the luxury to play that role - a role he is far more suited to.

Spot on.

[Rileybobs]

Some unfair comments on Roberts. Would be interesting to see us play with Roberts as an attacking full back. He’s not had the luxury to play that role - a role he is far more suited to.

Maybe, but is Roberts really that good of an attacking full back? If he was then why hasn’t VK deployed him in a more attacking role? I really don’t think it’s controversial to suggest that Vitinho is a better full back. More aggressive, more direct, a better tackler, better on the ball. He doesn’t seem to have a long throw in his locker but I can live with that.

[claretcarrot93]

Some unfair comments on Roberts. Would be interesting to see us play with Roberts as an attacking full back. He’s not had the luxury to play that role - a role he is far more suited to.

Roberts works hard but Vitinho is much better. Still not convinced Roberts is better than Lowton

[warksclaret]

I like Roberts and have supported him on many occasions, however I saw Vitinho at Coventry and was impressed and sounds like he played well today. As has been reported its now his shirt to lose

[Bosscat]

Love it ... Thats exactly what we want ... players making a place their own ...

Fan tas tic Va Tee Nee o

[Jakubs Tash]

The truth is that we don’t know whether Roberts would be better than Vitinho when deployed as an attacking full back because he hasn’t had the chance to play that role.

Vitinho played very well today but I am not as convinced about him as some other supporters seem to be.

Previously, for both Swansea and Wales, Roberts has played as a very aggressive attacking wing back - he has NEVER played this role once under VK so it’s very unfair to say he isn’t as good as Vitinho in this role. How would anyone know?

[Rileybobs]

The truth is that we don’t know whether Roberts would be better than Vitinho when deployed as an attacking full back because he hasn’t had the chance to play that role.

Vitinho played very well today but I am not as convinced about him as some other supporters seem to be.

Previously, for both Swansea and Wales, Roberts has played as a very aggressive attacking wing back - he has NEVER played this role once under VK so it’s very unfair to say he isn’t as good as Vitinho in this role. How would anyone know?

The same way that I know Harry Kane is a better striker than Jack Cork.

[claretcarrot93]

The truth is that we don’t know whether Roberts would be better than Vitinho when deployed as an attacking full back because he hasn’t had the chance to play that role.

Vitinho played very well today but I am not as convinced about him as some other supporters seem to be.

Previously, for both Swansea and Wales, Roberts has played as a very aggressive attacking wing back - he has NEVER played this role once under VK so it’s very unfair to say he isn’t as good as Vitinho in this role. How would anyone know?

Just going off Vitinho being quicker,stronger and looks better on the ball. Vitinho has played right back twice and been superb. Also played left back and on the wing. Roberts could not do that. Not knocking Roberts, great at this level but we are spoilt.

[Quickenthetempo]

So much for the system not working with two attacking full backs.

For me, it looked obvious that we’d be better with two full backs pushing on (not necessarily at the same time) and that the system could accommodate playing in that way.

It’s Vitinho’s place to lose now - he offers more than Roberts at both ends.

I thought he changed his system today and it worked perfectly. We were playing 4-2-4 for large periods with Brownhill going past Jay Rod to do the pressing.
The full backs going on the outside made a big difference as well.

We certainly didn't pass for passing sake today. We'll maybe we did for the last 10 minutes when the game was won.

[Jakubs Tash]

The same way that I know Harry Kane is a better striker than Jack Cork.

That comment makes zero sense.

[KRBFC]

So many experts on here were telling us all you need to spend fortunes to recruit players who can pass a football and those players simply weren't available which was an excuse for Dyche's style of play. Kompany absolutely crapped on those people.

[claretcarrot93]

So many experts on here were telling us all you need to spend fortunes to recruit players who can pass a football and those players simply weren't available which was an excuse for Dyche's style of play. Kompany absolutely crapped on those people.

Agree Vitinho is technically as good as any of our players and he cost a million

[boyyanno]

The truth is that we don’t know whether Roberts would be better than Vitinho when deployed as an attacking full back because he hasn’t had the chance to play that role.

Vitinho played very well today but I am not as convinced about him as some other supporters seem to be.

Previously, for both Swansea and Wales, Roberts has played as a very aggressive attacking wing back - he has NEVER played this role once under VK so it’s very unfair to say he isn’t as good as Vitinho in this role. How would anyone know?

To be fair if you judge Robert's off his Burnley career and not his Swansea/Wales appearances then he wouldn't be in my starting 11 no matter what position he was picked in. He's been very underwhelming really.

[Dark Cloud]

Swansea set out to play football (which tbf I applaud). Ultimately it was suicidal as you definitely cannot out football this Burnley team and we demolished them. Shoving a couple of big numb lads up front and lumping long, high balls at us will get you far more against Burnley atm and those are the teams I fear.

[NewClaret]

Any word on why Roberts was left out completely? Injured?

[Dark Cloud]

Any word on why Roberts was left out completely? Injured?

Welsh. Not allowed to play against his "parent" nation (apparently!)

[Spijed]

So many experts on here were telling us all you need to spend fortunes to recruit players who can pass a football and those players simply weren't available which was an excuse for Dyche's style of play. Kompany absolutely crapped on those people.

But to be fair players who can pass at this level are far easier to find than those who can pass with the same accuracy at prem level - and cost many millions less.

Norwich have players who look very good at this level.

Only time will tell if any of our players are good enough if/when we get promoted.

[martin_p]

So many experts on here were telling us all you need to spend fortunes to recruit players who can pass a football and those players simply weren't available which was an excuse for Dyche's style of play. Kompany absolutely crapped on those people.

So you think all the players we bought could cut it in the Premier League.

[fatboy47]

So you think all the players we bought could cut it in the Premier League.

There's none I'd be ruling out just yet.

We paid roughly the same for Dale Stephens and Vitinho.

There's the rub.

[taio]

So many experts on here were telling us all you need to spend fortunes to recruit players who can pass a football and those players simply weren't available which was an excuse for Dyche's style of play. Kompany absolutely crapped on those people.

Big difference between PL and Championship.

Anyhow, a bit like a self-proclaimed expert saying Rodriguez wasn't good enough and wouldn't score enough goals and wanted rid of him.

[martin_p]

Swansea set out to play football (which tbf I applaud). Ultimately it was suicidal as you definitely cannot out football this Burnley team and we demolished them. Shoving a couple of big numb lads up front and lumping long, high balls at us will get you far more against Burnley atm and those are the teams I fear.

And they played with a high press which meant that when we’d managed to pass it to half way three or four Swansea players were already behind the ball. That gave us a lot more space to play with in the Swansea half, most teams we’ve played at the Turf this season have kept eleven in their own half as we’ve played to ball out from Muric.

[Rileybobs]

Worth pointing out that Nathan Tella is deemed not good enough to get onto Southampton’s bench. Southampton!!! The gulf in quality between the two divisions is much greater than I’d ever appreciated. That’s why it’s completely dumb to compare the football we’re playing now with the football we played in the Premier League.

[Rileybobs]

And they played with a high press which meant that when we’d managed to pass it to half way three or four Swansea players were already behind the ball. That gave us a lot more space to play with in the Swansea half, most teams we’ve played at the Turf this season have kept eleven in their own half as we’ve played to ball out from Muric.

We also had a back four comprising players who are all willing and capable of breaking the lines and taking players out of the game. We’ve seen THB play line-splitting passes all season, but Beyer is great at carrying the ball forward and now we have progressive and risk-taking players in each full back position. It makes a huge difference, and whilst it won’t have the same impact against a low block, it gives us so many more options to start attacks and outnumber the opposition in dangerous areas.

[Carwin261]

Not sure if Roberts isn’t a problem in this team,rumoured he went down the tunnel the other week when all the players stayed on the pitch,& one thing I’ve always highlighted about a Burnley team is their pure enjoyment when scoring,but when Robert’s scored on the Turf the other week there was a more of “I told you so” reaction from him,might have given the Big Dutchman some grief ,but I think he might have wanted Swansea to win today.

[dansch]

Interesting that Roberts himself said he had to play a more withdrawn role in this system yet both full backs for forward really well against Swansea. So balanced, really hope we can sign maatsen permanently, vitinho's stock is gonna rise massively especially if we get promoted and he carries on as is

[ChrisG]

Not sure if Roberts isn’t a problem in this team,rumoured he went down the tunnel the other week when all the players stayed on the pitch,& one thing I’ve always highlighted about a Burnley team is their pure enjoyment when scoring,but when Robert’s scored on the Turf the other week there was a more of “I told you so” reaction from him,might have given the Big Dutchman some grief ,but I think he might have wanted Swansea to win today.

Big Dutchman? Our Belgian manager?

[Cooclaret]

He’s a far better player than Roberts and we look a much more balanced side with him and Maatsen at full back.

Today’s back four should pick itself now. Our issue for large parts of this season has been breaking sides down and today’s defence showed how it’s done. You’ve got to create the extra man by either playing a line-splitting pass, taking a man on or carrying the ball out of defence. Today’s back four offers at least one of those attributes each and by taking a small gamble we found that extra man time and time again in Zaroury who hogged the touch line relentlessly.

Roberts and Taylor are too ponderous and sideways on the ball which gives the opposition chance to sit in and defend with relative ease.

Totally agree. I don’t like Roberts in this system, or as a player. Really hopes he gets a move to the Prem on the back of a good World Cup. Surprised by Taylor, think he is a player who can shine in the Prem, but is found wanting in this system. I hope he gets a move to West Ham, Everton, or Palace.

[Greenmile]

Big Dutchman? Our Belgian manager?

I think he means Weghorst. Could be wrong, though - the post wasn’t very clear.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Big difference between PL and Championship.

Anyhow, a bit like a self-proclaimed expert saying Rodriguez wasn't good enough and wouldn't score enough goals and wanted rid of him.

He also spent the whole transfer window hammering the club for doing it on the cheap

It’s like he forgets the drivel he posts

[FeedTheArf]

I think if Roberts has a strong world cup a January sale could be the best solution all round.

We'd get a decent mark-up, he'd probably seal a move back to a Prem team. Another chunk of Alan's credit card paid off and we don't have an unhappy player on our hands. I don't think there's much in the mutterings of going down the tunnel early etc., but if Vitinho continues to perform as he has been doing, Roberts doesn't get back in the side for me.

[ClaretPete001]

I said we needed to replace Roberts from day 1 for all the reasons that are self-evident now. And not because Roberts was playing badly....!

I think I can now say that I'm a better manager than VK and I'm prepared to do the job for half the salary albeit I don't work week-ends.

[jedi_master]

It's unclear at this stage whether Vitinho was given a different brief to Roberts (if so, why?) or if Roberts has just not got the pace or athleticism to offer what Vitinho did against Swansea. I have been a critic of Roberts but I think he had played a bit better recently, but he just cannot offer what we saw on Saturday, no way.

I am not convinced he is so much more defensively solid than Vitinho (if at all) to justify his return to the first eleven right now, but he's the type of player I might be tempted to throw in when away at the better teams such as Sheff Utd - simply because he would be less gung ho and more reserved, which might suit it better.

[IanMcL]

Maybe, but is Roberts really that good of an attacking full back? If he was then why hasn’t VK deployed him in a more attacking role? I really don’t think it’s controversial to suggest that Vitinho is a better full back. More aggressive, more direct, a better tackler, better on the ball. He doesn’t seem to have a long throw in his locker but I can live with that.

I am not even convinced that Roberts has a long throw in his locker. So much air, anyone trying a flick on just gets crushed by the defenders.

[ClaretAL]

I am not even convinced that Roberts has a long throw in his locker. So much air, anyone trying a flick on just gets crushed by the defenders.

Totally agree with this, and it is not like we are blessed with height to get on the end of the long throws.

[andyh]

Worth pointing out that Nathan Tella is deemed not good enough to get onto Southampton’s bench. Southampton!!! The gulf in quality between the two divisions is much greater than I’d ever appreciated. That’s why it’s completely dumb to compare the football we’re playing now with the football we played in the Premier League.

I agree but based on that i only ever want to be a yo yo club. I’d rather we have an exciting Championship standard squad than a dour Premier League one.

[KRBFC]

Not sure if Roberts isn’t a problem in this team,rumoured he went down the tunnel the other week when all the players stayed on the pitch,& one thing I’ve always highlighted about a Burnley team is their pure enjoyment when scoring,but when Robert’s scored on the Turf the other week there was a more of “I told you so” reaction from him,might have given the Big Dutchman some grief ,but I think he might have wanted Swansea to win today.

Why post this absolute made up nonsense? I don't get the motive. He's on the clubs Youtube video smiling, applauding the fans.

He didn't enjoy scoring, hates it here and wanted Swansea to beat us? aye alright mate.

[Pickles]

Seems we've signed some excellent players. Lots of potential.

It would've taken Dyche another nine years to get his "scouting networks" up and running. I heard Ian Woan had a parking spot at Keele Services.

[Spijed]

Seems we've signed some excellent players. Lots of potential.

It would've taken Dyche another nine years to get his "scouting networks" up and running. I heard Ian Woan had a parking spot at Keele Services.

But there is an enormous gulf between scouting players good enough for this level and the Prem. Get players with "lots of potential" whilst playing PL football almost certainly leads to relegation for the vast majority of clubs.

That's why, whether we like it or not, SD got players in that he certainly trusted to keep us in the Prem for so long.

There is a "head in the Sand" realisation of the gap between the Championship and the Prem.

It's arguably the biggest gap between leagues in World football.

[Colburn_Claret]

Taylor was brilliant in the second half last week, moving the ball far more quickly than anyone else on the pitch.

Benson had 2 of his best games for us, and then hit the bench.
I believe VK will utilise the whole squad, or the majority of it, rather than having a set first XI. In a long season like the Championship, our biggest strength could be the depth of our squad.
So many great players not on the pitch on Saturday, it's amazing stuff.