Burnley 1-3 Watford
Early goals were the order of the day in the Premier League at Turf Moor.
But Watford won’t care when they were the ones who have scored – allowing them to end a run of 12 away league games without a win. This also gave them the maximum points from their first two matches of the season.
Perhaps the Hornets will have a sting in the tail for all the SBOBET fans who thought they were relegation certainties.
Highlights of the game
Andre Gray certainly had a sting in the tail for his former employers.
He converted Troy Deeney’s cross from the right inside three minutes and fired past Joe Hart to put the visitors in front.
It was a perfect start for the Hornets who had not scored in their last eight away league games.
It also sparked promise for a player who has struggled for goals following his move south, finding the net just five times in 31 games.
Here was the frontman at his best – pacey, powerful and clinical.
The advantage only lasted three minutes as James Tarkowski headed in an equaliser.
It’s reported the central defender narrowly missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad and here he showed his assurance on the ball and his strength in the air.
His absence through injury at the turn of the year actually coincided with a 12 game run without a victory for Burnley.
After the initial excitement, chances were few and far between and the outcome was in the balance.
It was always felt Roberto Pereyra could be the danger man after his opening weekend double against Brighton and the fact he had in hand in Watford’s last seven league goals (five goals, two assists).
Yet it was Deeney who was in the thick of things and a blistering start to the second period won the match for Javi Gracia ‘s men.
First the skipper poked a second goal past Hart after a superb through ball from Abdoulaye Doucoure; then Will Hughes lashed in an unstoppable third.
Deeney celebrated in front of the away fans – he knew what this meant for the club which had also lost 11 of those 12 away games.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who had again rotated his squad after their Europa League commitments, made changes to try and get the hosts back into the game.
Substitute Sam Vokes was very close to reducing the arrears with his first touch and a goal at that stage would certainly have given them a lift.
In the end, however, this was Burnley’s sixth game in 25 days and, as a side who have punched above their weight with limited resources, perhaps this result should not have been as surprising as the Premier League 2018 odds made out.
Four Europa League ties have brought two wins at Turf Moor and two draws on their travels and the Clarets are just one step away from the group stage.
That is their main focus right now, even if Premier League 2018 news tell us Burnley are without a league win in seven matches.
They need not worry. Dyche has known for some time that this is a tough period as he looks to balance the commitments.
Watford may not have to worry either should they keep this form up. Perhaps Gracia, who has many strengths, has been underestimated.
Key statistics
Until today, the Hornets had not won at Turf Moor since a 3-2 victory in the second tier in April 2004.
Burnley had actually won three of their previous four matches against Watford who had also recorded just one victory in eight games versus the Clarets, a 2-0 home win in February 2017.
Burnley have now lost their opening Premier League home game in each of the last four seasons.
The Clarets have recorded only one clean sheet in their last 10 league games at Turf Moor, a run dating back to December.
Did you know that Sean Dyche actually played for Watford for three years, including a season as captain, and later began his managerial career at there with spells as under 18s coach, assistant manager and manager.
He took the club to its highest finish in four years in 211-12 (11th in the Championship) but left after new owners arrived.
What’s next?
Burnley will continue their juggle with Premier League and Europa League duties.
They travel to Fulham either side of a Europa League double against Olympiakos and then welcome Manchester United to Turf Moor before the international break.
Watford have two London derbies to occupy them and a Vicarage Road doubleheader.
Crystal Palace are the visitors next weekend (August 26) followed by Spurs (September 2).
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