West Brom v Clarets Match thread

[GetIntoEm]

Sorry but the 2 lads being interviewed at the end, really honest guys but definitely not the 2 sharpest tools in the box

Strange comment

[blatherwickstattoos]

Pires was very good tonight. Egan Riley looking like a real player. Esteve is a rolls Royce, we just need the lads further up the pitch to earn their money now.

[Nonayforever]

Excellent performance.
Any other day and that's a 3 - 0 win.
Trafford didn't have any work to do.
Any poster who thinks that was bad is being negative just for the sake of it.

[me01jh]

Great work rate, pressed high up the pitch.

Everything looked good until the final third, where Sarmiento looked the most capable but Koleosho, Anthony & Flemming were disappointing, even desperate at times.

Back four looks very good, just got to find a match winner from somewhere.

[blatherwickstattoos]

What does he care. He's been given the armband, probably to give him added motivation, but we all know he ain't captain material and has never been a leader for us. I guess the management team are just trying to keep him happy and relevant, but he's cheesed off with the fans and has never got the recognition he feels he deserves. He's happy enough with plenty of midfielders in the team as it gives him more chance to just hide. In fact, the 1st time mentioned in this thread tonight was "Is Brownhill playing?" That's how much he did all night. But it's a recurring theme apart from an odd goal every so often. I hope he leaves in Jan personally and we get some sort of fee, but it's funny how we've always wanted to keep him, and I guess that's because he ain't got much value so might as well get everything we can out of him.

The track back and block the edge of the box was magnificent. Thought he looked better in a deeper role tonight

[Boss Hogg]

A better performance than at weekend. Robbed by the inept ref but we aren’t an exciting side and are fairly toothless.

[TPClaret]

Excellent performance.
Any other day and that's a 3 - 0 win.
Trafford didn't have any work to do.
Any poster who thinks that was bad is being negative just for the sake of it.

Far too positive. We did more than enough to win the game. It will come

[dvalley69]

Don't know how to feel about that game. We were robbed by the ref and it was a slightly better performance than the weekend. But I am starting to wonder how long we should give Parker and the team to show us that they can improve going forward.

So slightly better performance in language terms doesn't mean improving going forward? So, in your opinion we were just better defensively then? What you said makes no sense!

[RVclaret]

A better performance than at weekend. Robbed by the inept ref but we aren’t an exciting side and are fairly toothless.

We don’t really have many exciting players to be honest. Koleosho the main one but even he’s struggling.

[Stonehouse]

Great work rate, pressed high up the pitch.

Everything looked good until the final third, where Sarmiento looked the most capable but Koleosho, Anthony & Flemming were disappointing, even desperate at times.

Back four looks very good, just got to find a match winner from somewhere.

Some raved about Anthony but i thought that he was still very poor.

[Gp8419]

Deffo a positive performance-robbed by that decision-odd player didn’t play well again.Pires was very good the centre half’s very good as per normal you got to say now.I think this is a turning point go and smash Swansea Sunday and give the confidence a boost-and the crowd a boost.Hard to say something to negative it’s a good point,the bad performances before this have masked over how a good a point it is.UTC

[dvalley69]

Some raved about Anthony but i thought that he was still very poor.

I don't think he'll ever have that class look about him, but will always pop up with a moment and find himself in good positions. He's already shown it in his goals and assists so far, and that should be 3 goals in what 10 games, not bad really.

[Vino blanco]

Much better performance, more effort, more cohesion. We need a couple of strikers.
I don’t think that referee has ever kicked a football in his life. His performance was beyond belief. There should be some accountability for such an inept, clueless display like that....people spend their hard earned money to travel to away games and have to tolerate an abject refereeing performance like that.

[Goalposts]

The result also makes me wonder about those posting for corberon to come in and replace Parker are just delusional.. his team have only scored 2 goals in 7 home games.. and some people think he’s an upgrade on Parker. We are a lot better than WB …. And will get even better in jan.


In addition he’s just come on and said it was a foul for Anthony’s goal.. clown

[ArmchairDetective]

So slightly better performance in language terms doesn't mean improving going forward? So, in your opinion we were just better defensively then? What you said makes no sense!

By going forward I meant in an attacking sense. Apologies that it wasn't very clear, but also, chill dv I've not called for Parker's head or anything like that. I just think we could be getting a lot more out of this squad. We do need to get better in attack, don't you think?

[THEWELLERNUT70]

I thought we were much improved tonight after Sunday's performance ( but christ that wasn't hard ). Crisper and quicker passing until the final third, there in the problem lays because good god we are absolutely hopeless 9/10 in the attacking final 3rd

A prime example being around the 80th minute we had 6 players in attack, Anthony on the ball and he somehow passes it to two West Brom defenders with no Burnley player within 5 yards of them, that's simply sh!t play and has nothing to do with Parkers tactics ( and it happened a number of times tonight in the final 3rd )

Ultimate though we have been done by an absolute dogsh!t ref !

[willsclarets]

Some raved about Anthony but i thought that he was still very poor.

He's in and out but his positioning is very intelligent. And he's got quality. With Pires he's the only one who can cross the ball with any accuracy. He didn't play at all last season remember. He won't beat players 1:1, but he'll make and score goals this year.

[willsclarets]

The result also makes me wonder about those posting for corberon to come in and replace Parker are just delusional.. his team have only scored 2 goals in 7 home games.. and some people think he’s an upgrade on Parker. We are a lot better than WB …. And will get even better in jan.


In addition he’s just come on and said it was a foul for Anthony’s goal.. clown

Some nerve to claim that

[Sgt. Pepper]

But we did score and a good goal at that. We also missed a header and a one on one.

Yes, you're right. Terrible decision, should have had the three points thinking about it now. We were definitely the better side, can't remember Trafford having much to do.

[warksclaret]

I have to seriously challenge Brownhill's role as a captain. I appreciate he may leave in May but in the last 3 games he has simply not got involved. His control and passing has been well under par. Curtis one of the SKY pundits made a very good point-Koleosho time and time again cut in and lost the ball and thats where a leader in the team has to have a word with him. Koleosho was played on the left , his better side, so he can go outside a defender and whip in a cross with his favoured foot. He only did it once and produced one of the great crosses of the night Brownhill needed to have a word as captain. Instead it probably won't get picked up until they have a debrief' or on the training pitch'

[dvalley69]

By going forward I meant in an attacking sense. Apologies that it wasn't very clear, but also, chill dv I've not called for Parker's head or anything like that. I just think we could be getting a lot more out of this squad. We do need to get better in attack, don't you think?

Yeah, I got that part. I don't understand why you said it was a better performance, but then thought we didn't improve going the attacking part tonight? We clearly did! Surely that's the only part we need to get better in because we're miserly at the back, hence my confusion and interpreting your post as rather contradictory.

[Tricky Trevor]

Everybody has suddenly got a massive down on Luca. He was much better tonight and he works his socks off every minute he is on the pitch. Yet nobody picked up on when he made his run outside and cross he took on Dobbin, a wideman, and not Furlong, who had him in his pocket most of the night.
Burnley fans eh! Players they love and players they want gone and the truth is in the middle.

[dvalley69]

Can't doubt Koleosho's effort and will to keep at it. He's got youthful exuberance and I just hope something comes off for him sooner rather than later because, despite his goal at Leeds, he's contributed nothing for his efforts, and that will be soul-destroying for him and continue to impact us negatively.

[willsclarets]

Everybody has suddenly got a massive down on Luca. He was much better tonight and he works his socks off every minute he is on the pitch. Yet nobody picked up on when he made his run outside and cross he took on Dobbin, a wideman, and not Furlong, who had him in his pocket most of the night.
Burnley fans eh! Players they love and players they want gone and the truth is in the middle.

I thought he was poor tonight tbh, while being positive about the team's performance. That time he went on the outside was I think, the only time he did so all game. He lost the ball countless times coming inside into traffic

Don't doubt his effort or his ability, but his decision making just now isn't great. He'll hit form again I'm sure, but I wonder if a few games from the bench wouldn't go amiss.

[ArmchairDetective]

Yeah, I got that part. I don't understand why you said it was a better performance, but then thought we didn't improve going the attacking part tonight? We clearly did! Surely that's the only part we need to get better in because we're miserly at the back, hence my confusion and interpreting your post as rather contradictory.

I did say I don't know how to feel about that performance

[dvalley69]

I did say I don't know how to feel about that performance

haha, fair dos. Sit back in that Armchair of yours and consider the evidence in front of you, Detective!

[hoosier-daddy]

When Koleosho actually went on the outside , he put a great ball in . Unfortunately he doesn't do it enough.

Agreed. He skinned their defender no problem and he has the speed to get the yard of space needed to put more balls in. Maybe he's been instructed not to focus on doing that.

[ArmchairDetective]

haha, fair dos. Sit back in that Armchair of yours and consider the evidence in front of you, Detective!

Now the dust has settled, and frustration has passed, the view from the armchair is looking a little more positive I've been impressed with the defensive transformation under Parker after last season. I'd have taken our current position by this stage at the start of the season. We do need to find ways of scoring more goals but last night's evidence, at a ground which has only seen four goals this season (the record books will say three), is hopefully a sign that we can improve going forward.

UTC

[NewClaret]

Pires was very good tonight. Egan Riley looking like a real player. Esteve is a rolls Royce, we just need the lads further up the pitch to earn their money now.

Pires was excellent.

Everyone (me included) says that we’ve lost a lot of quality from 22/23 with not having Maatsen, but being honest I don’t remember too many games where Maatsen had an impact like last night - a shot just wide, hit the post, assist for the goal, overlaps, etc. If Maatsen had come back and played that game we’d all be raving about it.

He’s a bit raw defensively and it may cost us occasionally but I remember Maatsen being the same and being targeted early on. I think with a run of games we could see Pires become a really important player for us. Parker needs to put faith in him and not revert to his more natural safety first mentality.

[CoolClaret]

Pires was excellent.

Everyone (me included) says that we’ve lost a lot of quality from 22/23 with not having Maatsen, but being honest I don’t remember too many games where Maatsen had an impact like last night - a shot just wide, hit the post, assist for the goal, overlaps, etc. If Maatsen had come back and played that game we’d all be raving about it.

He’s a bit raw defensively and it may cost us occasionally but I remember Maatsen being the same and being targeted early on. I think with a run of games we could see Pires become a really important player for us. Parker needs to put faith in him and not revert to his more natural safety first mentality.

I think you probably need to rewatch some of the games then NC.

Maatsen was unbelievable for us, regularly split teams wide open with his precise passing - I recall him being the most progressive passer in the Championship? He was basically playing as a 'quarterback' for us.

“He (Ian Maatsen) played one pass inside in the second half and I clapped it. It was just brilliant, and that’s what he did for us last season because it just opens the whole pitch up for you. So he’s a top player, there’s no doubt about it, and I probably think we miss him and so I am disappointed that he’s not in our team still.

[xxmunkyennuixx]

It was much better last night. I think another slight rejig and we could kick on a bit. Swap Koleosho out for Jay. Play Jay up top with Flemming off him. Anthony and Sarmiento wide. Jay is to do a Wood, just be a box player. Flemming to play the Barnes role, run channels, link build up, be a shithouse. Proper Dycheball - this is a positive. The division is of a poor standard and I'm convinced that line up gets us up there in the run up to the window when we can maybe fix some of our issues. I'm not averse to having a couple of forwards from the youth setup on the bench. The Championship is made to grow your own players.

[willsclarets]

I like Pires, but in terms of ability Ian Maatsen is on a different planet. They're light years apart.

[NewClaret]

I think you probably need to rewatch some of the games then NC.

Maatsen was unbelievable for us, regularly split teams wide open with his precise passing - I recall him being the most progressive passer in the Championship? He was basically playing as a 'quarterback' for us.

I’m sure there’s some things he did offensively that I can’t remember, I agree.

I do definitely remember in the first 10-20 games also dreading the ball going anywhere near our left side and feeling like Maatsen was being targeted, which I think he was. He also went wandering many times although his pace often got him out of trouble.

He shored up, but the end of the season I remember hoping we’d sign him but also worrying how he’d fare defensively in the PL. In the end we signed nobody and that was a mistake so obviously we missed him.

What I don’t really remember, being honest, is him having the influence Pires did in one game last night. Or maybe put another way, if our LB gets a decent shot away, hits the post, assists a perfectly valid goal and tries nutmeg assists in the box every game, I’ll be very happy.

And I’ll forgive him being a bit weak defensively if that’s the output we get because I don’t see him as any worse than Maatsen was early doors (probably worse 1v1 but better in the air and a bit more disciplined positionally). If one thing Parker seems to be able to do is coach defenders!

[sjb]

It was much better last night. I think another slight rejig and we could kick on a bit. Swap Koleosho out for Jay. Play Jay up top with Flemming off him. Anthony and Sarmiento wide. Jay is to do a Wood, just be a box player. Flemming to play the Barnes role, run channels, link build up, be a shithouse. Proper Dycheball - this is a positive. The division is of a poor standard and I'm convinced that line up gets us up there in the run up to the window when we can maybe fix some of our issues. I'm not averse to having a couple of forwards from the youth setup on the bench. The Championship is made to grow your own players.

Like all Burnley supporters I've been a massive fan of Jay since he started his career but the only time he should appear now is in the last 10 minutes when we are defending a 1 goal lead & the opposition are loading set pieces into our box.

[NewClaret]

I like Pires, but in terms of ability Ian Maatsen is on a different planet. They're light years apart.

I wasn’t inferring he was a better player, just that I can’t remember him having such a big impact on a game as Pires did last night - may have done that I can’t remember or maybe his performances just stood out less because he had better attacking players around him to catch the eye.

Maybe put a different way: if he plays from now on it wouldn’t shock me to see him match or better Maatsen’s 4 goals and 6 assists. He’s on 2 assists already and should be 3.

If he got anywhere near those numbers we wouldn’t have missed Maatsen as much as we think (and for £2m would be an incredible signing).

[CoolClaret]

I’m sure there’s some things he did offensively that I can’t remember, I agree.

I do definitely remember in the first 10-20 games also dreading the ball going anywhere near our left side and feeling like Maatsen was being targeted, which I think he was. He also went wandering many times although his pace often got him out of trouble.

He shored up, but the end of the season I remember hoping we’d sign him but also worrying how he’d fare defensively in the PL. In the end we signed nobody and that was a mistake so obviously we missed him.

What I don’t really remember, being honest, is him having the influence Pires did in one game last night. Or maybe put another way, if our LB gets a decent shot away, hits the post, assists a perfectly valid goal and tries nutmeg assists in the box every game, I’ll be very happy.

And I’ll forgive him being a bit weak defensively if that’s the output we get because I don’t see him as any worse than Maatsen was early doors (probably worse 1v1 but better in the air and a bit more disciplined positionally). If one thing Parker seems to be able to do is coach defenders!

He also had a lot less protection and a lot more space behind to defend - later on in the season he came into midfield and was unplayable.

It also has to be said - he ended up playing in a CL final for Dortmund and then signed for a team that's really in the ascendency in Aston Villa... Sensational player.

Maybe put a different way: if he plays from now on it wouldn’t shock me to see him match or better Maatsen’s 4 goals and 6 assists. He’s on 2 assists already and should be 3.

If he got anywhere near those numbers we wouldn’t have missed Maatsen as much as we think (and for £2m would be an incredible signing).

There's more to football than assists, mate - especially in the role he played before we went on an absolute stormer.

[morninbob]

Pires was excellent.

Everyone (me included) says that we’ve lost a lot of quality from 22/23 with not having Maatsen, but being honest I don’t remember too many games where Maatsen had an impact like last night - a shot just wide, hit the post, assist for the goal, overlaps, etc. If Maatsen had come back and played that game we’d all be raving about it.

He’s a bit raw defensively and it may cost us occasionally but I remember Maatsen being the same and being targeted early on. I think with a run of games we could see Pires become a really important player for us. Parker needs to put faith in him and not revert to his more natural safety first mentality.

Maatsen scored twice away at Swansea.

[NewClaret]

He also had a lot less protection and a lot more space behind to defend - later on in the season he came into midfield and was unplayable.

It also has to be said - he ended up playing in a CL final for Dortmund and then signed for a team that's really in the ascendency in Aston Villa... Sensational player.

Yes, agree about the protection point, although the specific scenarios I remember chewing my nails off about were crosses in the box. He either seemed MIA or just unable to defend crosses especially in the air. Worth saying I watched the CL final and he looked much more solid defensively and disciplined, proving it probably was Kompany’s system to some extent.

Per post above, wasn’t downplaying Maatsen’s abilities, obviously current clubs and a £37m vs. £2m price tags tell you all you need to know. Rather saying that if Pires keeps delivering performances like that I doubt we’ll feel we’ve missed Maatsen as much at the end of the season as we might expect to now. Obviously consistency will be the key.

[NewClaret]

Maatsen scored twice away at Swansea.

Had forgotten that, interesting as we have them coming up.

Hopefully Pires can get amongst the goals too. There’s encouraging signs.

[xxmunkyennuixx]

Like all Burnley supporters I've been a massive fan of Jay since he started his career but the only time he should appear now is in the last 10 minutes when we are defending a 1 goal lead & the opposition are loading set pieces into our box.

Flemming can't do the role being expected of him. Him off a striker would be better. Luca also needs dropping because he is woeful at the minute. I know Jay is limited so play to those limitations. Play within the width of the box, no tracking, no pressing. He's there to take that chance when it pops up ie. the Cullen flick on. When Jay's been subbed on recently he's ended up wide or he has been trying to link play - his mobility can't support that any longer. Let Flemming do his work and leave him fresh to get in the box, use his experience and make the difference.

[sjb]

Flemming can't do the role being expected of him. Him off a striker would be better. Luca also needs dropping because he is woeful at the minute. I know Jay is limited so play to those limitations. Play within the width of the box, no tracking, no pressing. He's there to take that chance when it pops up ie. the Cullen flick on. When Jay's been subbed on recently he's ended up wide or he has been trying to link play - his mobility can't support that any longer. Let Flemming do his work and leave him fresh to get in the box, use his experience and make the difference.

Your opinion is as valid as anyone else's of course, but this scenario isn't feasible imo; we can't be playing guys with obvious limitations I feel.