Just when it looked as though Everton could pull themselves out of trouble down at the bottom of the league, Burnley have very much ensured that the relegation will still be in full swing as we enter the closing weeks of the season.
Last night's game against Southampton looked like a pivotal one for the club, with three points needed to keep themselves hot on the heels of Frank Lampard's side.
They would get the victory, with first half strikes from Connor Roberts and Ireland defender Nathan Collins enough to secure a 2-0 win.
𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙃𝙐𝙂𝙀 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙮 🙌
A nervy VAR check rules out a possible offside and breathes life into Burnley's mission for #PL survival 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gGJOVcgdMs— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2022
The club's decision to sack manager Sean Dyche last week was heavily criticised, and while it still seems like an incredibly harsh call, results have picked up since his departure. Under the guidance of Mike Jackson and captain Ben Mee, they have taken four points from their last two fixtures.
They now sit one point behind Everton, although the Merseysiders do have a game in hand. In saying that, Burnley do have the easier run in on paper, with Everton still having to face the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester City, and Chelsea. Burnley's only top half opposition in the weeks ahead will come in the form of Wolves and Spurs.
The club's owners have reportedly been searching for an interim manager to come in and guide them through the rest of the campaign, with Sam Allardyce mentioned as a possible candidate. Is such an appointment needed?
Appearing on Sky Sports last night, former Ireland international Stephen Ward (who actually announced his retirement earlier today) said he sees little reason to change the current structure in the coaching setup considering the performances in the last two games.
🗣 “I don’t see a reason at this moment in time to change anything.”
Stephen Ward says Burnley don’t need to change anything coming off the back of two great results. pic.twitter.com/hpP9DOVogP— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 21, 2022
They haven't needed to change much. There is enough experience and leaders in that dressing room, players who have been in this situation before and know how to get themselves out of it.
I thought tonight really typified a Burnley performance. It was full of energy, putting their bodies on the line, a lot of quality when they needed it. It was a real Burnley performance.
For the time being I don't see why anything needs to change. The players inside that dressing room know how to get the best our themselves and the best out of themselves as a team.
On reflection of the last two games, I don't see a reason at this moment in time to change anything.
The experience in that dressing room could certainly be keys in the weeks ahead.
Caretaker manager Mike Jackson echoed Ward's statements after the game, saying that he has largely allowed the group to get on with things themselves since stepping into the run.
🗣️ "Are you starting to enjoy it yet?"
👀 "No..."
Burnley caretaker manager Mike Jackson says his players are 'fighting' after claiming a crucial three points against Southampton 👇 pic.twitter.com/CFp2Tlk50O— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 22, 2022
I'm not teaching them to do anything massively different at all. The strength of this team in the group and it always will be.
I think the group have just remembered who they are, what they're good at, and what they're capable of. I don't buy into this magic wand thing, it's nothing to do with that.
The longer this race continues, the more you would fancy Burnley to pull off an escape. Whereas their dressing room has coped brilliantly with such scenarios in the past, the same cannot be said for many in the Everton squad.
It should make for a very interesting few weeks ahead.
SEE ALSO: Carragher Says Erik Ten Hag Can't Expect Too Much Time To Improve Man United
