Burnley and Vincent Kompany may voice their discontent over Carlton Morris’ contentious equalizer, yet they ought to appreciate that the focus is on VAR and not their impending demise.
The disputed foul elicited distinct reactions from Burnley and Luton fans – the former clamoring for a penalty, the latter dismissing it as an innocuous collision, echoing PGMOL’s stance. VAR’s alignment with the on-field referee’s call, opting against shielding James Trafford excessively, provided a welcome departure from the historical trend of goalkeepers receiving unwarranted protection. Trafford, navigating his inaugural top-flight season, has faced challenges as a relatively diminutive and less robust goalkeeper, often contending with strikers dominating the six-yard box during set-pieces.
The outcome is not solely a reflection of Trafford’s struggles but underscores Burnley’s Premier League inexperience, which has been evident since day one and is likely to be their downfall. Initially overlooked, Burnley’s Premier League venture was anticipated to be challenging for teams like Luton, Sheffield United, Wolves, or Everton. In retrospect, the oversight is glaring.
From the outset against Manchester City, Burnley signaled their intent to play their way into the Premier League, a tactic that, halfway through the season, appears imprudent and naive. While there’s a considerable journey ahead, the outlook is undeniably grim. Despite a hefty £94.5 million summer spending spree, the team boasts only one or two standout performers.
Wilson Odobert stands out as a rare bright spot, displaying prowess in one-on-one situations and contributing to crucial goals. Luca Koleosho, another promising player, lacks the capacity to single-handedly secure Premier League safety for the team. Despite Kompany’s clear philosophy, he grapples with an ill-suited squad, necessitating adaptability to avert dire consequences. While mockery of Championship teams is permissible, establishing oneself as a regular Premier League outfit demands a shift in approach, a prospect currently elusive.
In stark contrast, Luton, with Premier League-experienced players like Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley, maintains a distinct narrative despite a mere four-point gap. Barkley’s resurgence in the Luton midfield, orchestrating plays and creating opportunities, is noteworthy. The financial dissonance between Burnley’s hefty summer expenditure and Luton’s modest market value underscores the stark contrast in their fortunes.
The draw at Turf Moor may be deemed a fair outcome, yet Burnley’s disappointment with losing crucial points is palpable. The referee’s decisions and the absence of VAR intervention dominate post-match discussions, deflecting attention from Burnley’s underlying issues.
Despite the financial outlay last summer, Burnley’s prospects in the upcoming transfer window seem limited. Unproven striker David Datro Fofana’s loan arrival from Chelsea adds an element of uncertainty to their future. Unless Kompany alters his tactics or the youthful talent collectively reaches its zenith, Burnley’s struggles are poised to persist, relegating them to the Championship next season. The imperative nature of Friday night’s fixture as a “six-pointer” only accentuates the mounting pressure on Kompany’s side, with the blame on VAR masking their overall deficiencies. The situation looks increasingly bleak for Burnley.
