BURNLEY have attempted more long balls than any other side in the Premier League team this season - but Manchester United are second in the rankings.

According to Opta statistics, the Clarets have played 1,737 long balls in 22 league matches so far this term - an average of 79 per game, or one every 68 seconds.

Opta define a long ball as a pass aimed for a pitch position or second ball rather than a specific player.

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Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal and Southampton’s Ronald Koeman both made reference to Burnley’s ‘long ball’ tactics earlier this season, although the statistics show that United are actually second on the list for long balls played.

They have played 1,696 - only 41 less than Burnley.

QPR are third with 1,685, with West Bromwich Albion fourth with 1,587 followed by Leicester City and Hull City on 1,564 and 1,552 respectively.

Sean Dyche shrugged off suggestions that his side are a long ball team earlier this season.

“I just think that we want to play productive football,” he said.

“People have a way of looking at teams and how they play.

“You’ve got to remember that in the Premier League it’s rare to find that, even a longer pass, they tend to play it all short and sharp.

“I know what I think is productive football. I think the fans enjoy it and it does get points on the board.”