Premier League relegated Burnley is currently working hard on an immediate return to the English top flight: The fact that the next home win was achieved at Turf Moor on Friday was not really surprising.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United suddenly have to fear for their Premier League return. This has a lot to do with the form of Burnley FC. The team of head coach Scott Parker has now been unbeaten in eight Championship games – winning six of them. This included the home game against Norwich City on Friday evening.
The fact that Burnley is currently setting the tone in the top three of the Championship also has to do with their own stadium. At Turf Moor, the Clarets have not yet lost a single league game this season – Leeds United and Sunderland have each been beaten at home once. The goal difference of 30:6 is also more than impressive. Only Leeds (49) collected more points at home than Burnley and Sheffield United (45 each).
Faster double strike – Stacey brings back the excitement
Burnley impressively demonstrated its home strength in the highly dominant first half on Friday: Hannibal, who joined the club from Manchester United last summer, put the home side in the lead as early as the 14th minute – even though all 11 Norwich professionals were behind the ball for the final pass. Just ten minutes later, Norwich were caught out of position, which Anthony exploited clinically. However, the shot had also been deflected past Norwich keeper Gunn (24′).
Even after the break, Burnley had everything under control before a set piece brought new spice to the game: Wright’s corner was extended by McLean to Stacey, who pushed the ball over the line in the six-yard box (76′). But Burnley held on to win, meaning the ball is now back in Leeds and Sheffield’s half. The competition is under pressure to act, while the Clarets will watch the Saturday conference with confidence.
Burnley can then take a decisive step towards promotion at Turf Moor, of all places – the away game at Watford (April 18) is followed by the home game against pursuers Sheffield United (April 21). The promotion party is then scheduled to take place at the same venue on May 3, when Millwall visits the last stronghold of the Championship.
