A lack of firepower is the main reason why Burnley have struggled so much in the Premier League compared to Leeds United and Sunderland.

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That’s the verdict of Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith, who believes a lack of goals has been the main sticking point for Scott Parker’s side this season.

It comes after relegation was finally confirmed last week with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday night.

While Leeds and Sunderland have both thrived in the top flight after coming up from the Championship alongside the Clarets, Parker’s side have found it tough going.

They’ve won just four of their 34 games to date and currently find themselves in the midst of a miserable run of just one win in their last 25.

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Analysing where it’s gone so badly wrong for Burnley this term, Smith believes the answer can be found in the attacking third of the pitch.

Burnley's relegation to the Championship was confirmed last week (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“The promotion campaign was built on defensive resolve, wasn’t it?,” he said. "Sometimes it’s hard to kind of go the other way.

"They haven’t scored enough goals at home, the fewest amount of goals in the Premier League at home. They’ve done better away from home.

"They brought a lot of players, as Leeds and Sunderland did, but maybe those players haven’t clicked in the way that they have at Sunderland and Leeds.

“It’s hard to put your finger on it when you’re bringing players in, because it’s always a slight gamble, isn’t it? They did spend money, but didn’t really have the firepower in the end.”

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