Nigel Pearson suggested in his post match interview that Eddie Howe's Burnley didn't come to the King Power Stadium in search of victory on Tuesday night. He stated, "I felt we were the team that tried to win the game." This seemed an odd assertion given that Burnley were going for a club record-equalling 11th away league victory of the season. The match statistics don't tally with Pearson's view either, as Burnley managed 5 attempts on target to Leicester's 4, including one unlucky effort which bounced off both posts. Pearson also admitted that Burnley were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the first half. The manager's body language was strange during the match too. He looked resigned and withdrawn with arms folded and he issued very few instructions to his team. In terms of tactics, there was no real plan B either. He changed personnel in a couple of like for like swaps in the second half and swapped the wingers over at half-time. However, there was no change of formation in an effort to win the game.
I was pleased when Pearson got the job and I still want him to be given the whole of next season to see what he can achieve. Morgan and Drinkwater look like decent signings and Marshall appears to be a steal at £1million. However, if the next two games follow the same pattern as last night's listless and lethargic effort, the Thai owners may well decide that enough is enough. I hope not. Pearson will already know the names of 2 or 3 players that he wishes to sign in the summer and that should be enough to give fresh impetus to the squad and see them in the play-off picture next season. All of this of course is based on the belief that the Thais have the desire to remain in charge and are still happy to put their hands in their pockets to sign more players. This should not be taken for granted. It may not be interesting on the pitch during the next two games but off the pitch it will be a different story!
No comments:
Post a Comment