MANAGER Sean Dyche believes Burnley have evolved from their last Premier League season to become “a more awkward customer” as they pitch for a return.

Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Arsenal at the Emirates acted as a barometer of the Clarets’ progress since last year’s spell in the top flight.

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And, ahead of key games in the promotion race against Sheffield Wednesday and Championship leaders Hull City this week, Dyche took encouragement from their performance against the FA Cup holders, despite a 2-1 defeat, particularly with the chances created at a ground where they lost 3-0 on their last visit in November 2014.

"The big thing for me was changing the thought process on the game plan.

"Last season we tried to absorb and be tactically strong, which we did for periods, but once they scored, we never really looked like getting back in it.

"We changed that thinking, we wanted to be a more awkward customer, and I think we were.

"We caused plenty of trouble for them, had good chances, scored a fine goal, and, unfortunately gave them a cheap second goal.

"They scored a very good first goal, but the second was very cheap, we gave the ball away far too easily, and got hurt on the counter, which can happen here.

"Other than that, it was a strong performance I felt."

Dyche added: "We're in good form, we're very productive in the league at the moment, particularly with scoring goals, so I was pleased to score and create the chances we did.

“It’s not like this is a platform, because the platform has already been set, but it doesn't do any harm to build mentality, when you walk into a stadium like this and deal with the game.

"I don't think we did for the first 20 minutes, although we had the best chance of the game with Andre (Gray) going through one on one.

"Once we settled down, we responded very well to their goal, mentally, which we were pleased with, to get the ball and keep it and start playing.

"The defence was sound generally, the performance was generally strong, but you haven't won, and that is the task. We definitely look at the positives though.”