Sean Dyche: Burnley FC in search of ‘Holy Grail’ of goals

Under Sean Dyche, Burnley arrested a poor defensive record, but saw goals become harder to come by.

But, having scored three for the first time under his reign at Watford a fortnight ago, the Clarets bagged another three at home to Bristol City on Saturday.

And Dyche is encouraged by recent performances: “That balance is what every manager in the world searches for - putting the ball in the net, and keeping it out at the other end.

“But we have shown signs of finding that balance again, more so against Bristol City, where we produced a very dominant display.

“There were a lot of positives we can build on.”

Dyche has tried numerous systems and personnel to find the right blend since taking charge in October.

Up front, 28-goal Charlie Austin has commanded a starting berth when fit, while Sam Vokes has partnered him for the last two games ahead of Martin Paterson and Danny Ings.

Dyche said of the available partnerships: “It’s been productive, and then Pato comes on and scores (against Bristol City) so that’s a nice sign.

“One of the hardest things here has been deciphering the one that works, and the one that works most often.”

Austin sat out January with a hamstring problem, when the pairing of Ings and Vokes helped earn three wins from four league games - the side’s best spell under Dyche, and he added: “The irony is the one that has worked the most often while I’ve been here has been without Charlie, but it’s hard to leave someone out who scores as freely as he does.

“What a strange conundrum that is for a manager.

“You know Charlie’s got goals in his boots - you’ve seen it all season - but it’s nice to see a couple of others pop up of course.”