BURNLEY had the perfect start to their Premier League campaign as they beat Southampton 3-0 at Turf Moor after a double from Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson got in on the act.

Sean Dyche put the good start down to his side putting in the hard wards during pre-season.

Last season, Burnley had the Europa League's qualifying rounds to contend with and the squad struggled to get to grips with competing both competitions.

"It is a really good start, a really pleasing start," said Dyche.

"The players have got their reward for a very strong pre-season, not just results, the way they've come back. There has been a strong desire and a super fitness level.

"I think there is an intent about the group. The Premier League is a tough league and you are always looking to push the odds in your favour and it is a great starting point if you have a fully fit group of players who are very motivated.

"We've worked as hard as we can in the market with our resources, which we always know is difficult, but I think we've found a good balance to get the team with a competitive edge.

"It culminates in a big win, a very important win, but there is a long way to go."

VAR was in use in the Premier League for this first time this campaign and it was on show at Turf Moor a few times during the first half.

Barnes opened the scoring after latching on to a defensive mistake and then he drilled it beyond Angus Gunn in the Saints goal. The striker doubled his tally soon after as he smashed home a brilliant cross by Erik Pieters.

Gudmundsson secured the points with a sublime curling finish in to the far corner of the net.

The Burnley boss was happy with the quality of the goals his side scored to get the three points in the opening game.

"It was a tight game and often we are in tight games," he said

"There was nothing in it in the first half, it was really tough out there and the ball was going all over the place.

"We both played middle-of-the-pitch football and there was not too much goalmouth action.

"In the second half we asked more questions and managed to break them down with a very good goal from Barnesy - he watched the flight of it and then took a touch and hit it which is a tough skill.

"The second goal was a really good goal, the build up, the calmness and a finish and then another good goal from Johann.

"In the end we deserved to win it but we got the goal and didn't sit back on it and carried on and the rest is history."