Burnley match - an exiles view

[JaenBoro]

The Burnley match was my first for a year - I live abroad - and it was great to finally see the lads in the flesh.

I have a few thoughts about the whole experience.

The atmosphere was really good. We were in the South stand quite high up towards the away fans and I was very impressed. Honestly, it took me back to the Holgate. I've seen a few saying the atmosphere was flat compared to other matches but considering we lost I thought it was really good. Standing the whole match was something I hadn't done since Steaua or away matches. Only downside was the cocaine I heard being snorted in the toilets before kick off. WTF?

On the pitch it wasn't so good. I thought Burnley were in control from start to finish apart from a very short spell when we scored. They were never going to score loads but they had us thoroughly in a strait jacket. We just couldn't string passes together without giving the ball away. How much was down to us and how much to them is hard to say.

It was the first time I've seen this style of play where when the goalie has it we invite the opposition down the pitch to close us down. It scared me half to death! It didn't work at all on Friday. I lost count how many times we lost the ball in our own half. To be fair Burnley did pretty much the same and also lost the ball a fair few times. I can't see that not being punished ruthlessly in the PL.

A goal! When we scored it was the first goal I've seen live since I stopped going in 2014 to move to Spain. So that jinx at least is put to bed. Next time a win please.

Regarding individual performances, I think that's been done to death by others: McGree on the left, Hackney, McNair, etc. I agree with all those comments.

Overall I enjoyed it due to the atmosphere and I'm already looking forward to next time which unfortunately will probably be not until next season. Hopefully in the PL!

 

[Redwurzel]

Interesting post.

Burnley objective away from home is to quieten the home fans which they probably have done is all their away games bear one - hence they have only lost 2 games all season.

Its quite fashionable for posters on here to say the atmosphere was flat - its all comparative. Compared with most Burnely away games this season I am sure the atmosphere was not flat. So pleased with JB comments on the crowd as someone who may be only comes once every few years to a game.

Similarly comparing the team's performance - the home game against Preston was more typical of a home performance and Preston are on the edge of the play - offs. Burnley will probably get more points that any team for many years in the Championship i.e. far from typical opponents.

 

[TeaCider]

The atmosphere in the whole ground was flat for large periods of the match.

It's bound to sound better if you're wedged in the South Stand and near the large away following.
That's where the majority of crowd noise comes from during games.
The "You only sing when you're drawing" chant from Burnley fans was probably accurate on the night for 3 of the 4 stands.

 

[HolgateCorner]

Arsenal fan at work was in the West Lower with family who are Boro fans.

He said he thought the atmosphere was excellent.

I thought it was ‘heavy’ myself, I think our fans were treating it like it was a do or die match and that will not have helped the team.