Sean Dyche surprised by Burnley's 'astonishing' start to the season
Thursday 14 December 2017 15:58, UK
Sean Dyche admits he did not expect his Burnley side to make such an impressive start to the Premier League season.
The Clarets have 31 points after 17 league games this season, despite only securing 40 points in the entirety of last season, and now find themselves in sixth, level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham.
While Dyche felt his squad were stronger heading into the new season, the former Watford manager has revealed even he did not envisage such a high points return from his squad at this stage of the season.
"I've spoken recently, and I always try to be as truthful as I can through the media, I didn't think we could get to where we've got to this early because the Premier League is so difficult," said Dyche.
"I thought we were better off than last season, I thought the group was looking better particularly as we got to the end of pre-season and started looking into the first few games.
"I thought we were in a better shape - the way the team were going about the pre-season and how they were going about their performances.
"But I'd be lying if I said we could hit this point certainly this early on, not because I don't believe in us by the way, but because the Premier League is very difficult and even when you're playing well you can lose a game.
"I've been pleased overall with the performance level and it has brought some very good points so I'm pleased with that."
Burnley travel to Brighton on Saturday as they look to secure their seventh win in nine games.
