Let me be frank: the 3-0 bashing of Bournemouth has me believing that the Clarets will be playing Europa League football next season. The evidence is there when reviewing their most recent league fixtures. Beating Manchester United, eking out a tough draw against Arsenal, and beating Southampton on the road last week. Not only can they hold their own against the leagues Blue Bloods, but Saturday’s win proves that they are not interested in playing down to their competition when facing the bottom half of the table.
All that said, you don’t get quality play without quality goal scorers and, apparently for Burnley, its next guy up—and another goal in the back of the net. Ashley Barnes goes down, Jay Rodriguez comes up big. Chris Wood out, Matej Vydra emerges as a seemingly unstoppable force inside of the 18 yard box. Throw in corners orchestrated by Ashley Westwood and a defense that is consistently physical and you get a high impact squad with quality at nearly every position.
However, there so many teams in the middle of the table packed tight like week old sardines. A two game losing streak could have a once high performing side preparing for a relegation battle. But, this team seems to be clicking on all fronts and, so far, teams have either not figured out a formula to beat them or the league continues to underestimate their talents. Either way, the Clarets will be splitting their time between the EPL and European football next season. One can dream, right?