STRENGTH IN DEPTH

There was probably a strong argument to be made that Saturday was the strongest bench Burnley have had since Sean Dyche arrived at the club in October 2012.

For far too long it has appeared too easy for Dyche to stick to the same starting XI, but there is now genuine competition, and options from the bench, in this squad.

Jeff Hendrick may have started among the substitutes having only met his teammates on Thursday, while Scott Arfield had a busy week of travelling with Canada.

But they were joined on the bench by James Tarkowski, who has impressed when given the chance but finds Michael Keane and Ben Mee in his way, Liverpool loanee and England international Jon Flanagan, Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford, as well as Michael Kightly, who offers pace and a direct threat from the bench.

SCORING GOALS

Finding the back of the net was an issue for the Clarets two years ago as they just fell short in their bid for survival, and it could be crucial again this term.

In four games they have now registered seven shots on target, the joint lowest count in the league with Stoke City, who sit bottom.

It took a moment of magic to find the back of the net on Saturday, but before that good, clear chances had been at a premium.

Jeff Hendrick can provide goals from midfield and Defour’s eye for a pass could help create more chances for the front two.

Three goals in four games, with two fixtures against title contenders, isn’t a bad return, but the Clarets would like to create more chances.

LACK OF PACE

Chairman Mike Garlick explained Burnley’s decision to pull out of a deal for Poland winger Kamil Grosicki in his programme notes before the game and the club made the right decision on that one.

The addition of a player such as Grosicki, however, would have added much needed pace to the Clarets ranks going forward, especially out wide.

In the opening game of the season against Swansea we saw the problems quick wingers can pose, with Mo Barrow and then Jefferson Montero influential for the Swans.

While Burnley’s wide men offer a phenomenal work rate as well as being tidy in possession, they don’t really have a winger who can take his full-back on and beat him for pace.

Grosiciki may have rocked the boat in the dressing room, but a speedy winger is likely to remain top of the shopping list in January.