Opinion: How one moment summed up Burnley's back-to-basics approach against Bournemouth

It wasn’t picked up on at the time, and it certainly won’t get a mention on Match of the Day or any of the highlights packages, and in most cases it might even be taken for granted.

But as Bournemouth broke at break-neck speed following an unsuccessful Burnley corner, all 10 outfield players sprinted back to get back in position and defend the goal.

It was quite a sight, seeing Joe Worrall in particular hurtling back and busting a gut to make up what, 60 or 70 yards? Having been in the opposition area only a few seconds previously.

It might not seem like much on the face of it, in fact it should probably be a pre-requisite, especially for a side like Burnley who are having to perform above and beyond to even remain competitive in the Premier League.

But given the context of this game, the context of their season, the context of their recent run and the context of the narrative and talking points coming out of last week’s defeat to Fulham, it felt especially significant.

It certainly wouldn’t have gone unnoticed with manager Scott Parker, whose team selection at the Vitality was clearly influenced by a desire to get men who he can explicitly trust on the field of play.

This was back to basics. The starting XI felt workmanlike, almost Championship-esque. I know that sounds incredibly patronising and offensive, but it’s not meant to be.

This was an attempt to get back to the true spirit of last season’s promotion-winning side, which was built upon a hunger and a desire to not only win games, but to keep clean sheets. To do anything to keep the ball out of the net. To bust a gut and give absolutely everything to the cause, irrespective of whether you’re a starter, a sub or, in Worrall’s case, someone making their first league start of the season.

While they didn’t get the clean sheet they desired, they kept going right until the very end and got the goal to end that miserable run of defeats that stretched back 56 days until the end of October.

Gritty

For those still baying for blood, let’s get one thing clear, this wasn’t a good performance. It was ugly, which is exactly what it needed to be.

But Burnley didn’t even manage a shot until the 86th minute, so it’s clear that this was far from a vintage performance.

But we’ve also got to be realistic. Suffering seven straight defeats, and looking to avoid matching the club’s all-time record of eight, the likelihood of the Clarets rocking up and delivering a 90-minute display of scintillating football was virtually nil.

Instead, it was always going to be a backs-against-the-wall type of display, a downright ugly performance that did exactly what it said on the tin. At times, it was full on suffer-ball.

Parker made six changes from last week’s 3-2 loss to Fulham, switching both personnel and the system, with Josh Laurent coming in to make it a back three.

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The approach was clear: sit back and starve Bournemouth of space, otherwise Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, Justin Kluivert et all will thrive in behind.

That was especially the case with Hjalmar Ekdal and Worrall as two of the three centre-backs, defenders not exactly renowned for their pace.

A defensive display it was, although it was being taken to the extreme at times. But the Clarets remained organised and limited Bournemouth to very little in the way of clear-cut chances.

In fact, can you even recall Martin Dubravka having a save to make? I can’t. And Bournemouth’s goal, while a lovely finish from the excellent Semenyo, came as a result of Laurent’s untimely slip, rather than a well-worked move from the home side, who are also in the midst of their own poor run, having not won in eight.

But it was at the other end where Burnley really struggled, they were creatively stifled by their own tactical approach and, on the rare occasions wingers Jacob Bruun Larsen and Jaidon Anthony did get on the ball, they soon lost it due to poor touches, poor passes or a lack of options, or sometimes a combination of all three.

Bigger picture

In the grand scheme of things, this point does little for Burnley’s survival ambitions. In fact, the Clarets have actually lost further ground with Leeds United’s win.

But this wasn’t even necessarily about that. This game was about stopping the rot. Avoiding another defeat by any means necessary. They managed it.

Now the order of the day has to be wins, ideally starting at home to Everton two days after Christmas.

But this at least affords Parker and his players some breathing space, it takes a smidgeon of heat off their backs.

This draw, only the second of Burnley’s season, is at least something to hang onto. It’s little, but it’s something.

It’s simply got to be a platform now, a foundation of sorts to play with a little bit more freedom, while keeping that defensive nous.

As Parker has acknowledged on more than one occasion in recent days and weeks, the Clarets have simply conceded far too many goals this season - too many of them soft ones too.

Going back to basics at least keeps them in games and gives themselves a fighting chance, which is all we can ask for.

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