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Burnley 2017/18 Premier League season review

Dyche

Read on for our review of their campaign, complete with the views of Soccer Saturday pundit Matt Le Tissier.

Finishing position: 7th (+9)
Total points: 54 (+14)
FA Cup: Third round
Carabao Cup: Third round
Top scorer: Chris Wood (10)

Just staying in the Premier League was an achievement by Sean Dyche's Burnley last season but they took things to a new level in 2017/18 by finishing seventh and qualifying for Europe. Burnley were 'the best of the rest' this season.

Chris Wood proved an important addition, scoring nine goals, while some who were already at the club stepped up as well. Ashley Barnes enjoyed the best season of his Premier League career and James Tarkowski took his chance following the sale of Michael Keane.

Burnley were as high as fourth in mid-December but what was just as impressive was the fact that they were able to win five games in a row from March onwards after going 12 games without a victory. Dyche has delivered more than anyone could have expected.

Chris Wood celebrates his goal against Bournemouth
Image: Chris Wood celebrates his 10th goal of the season against Bournemouth

Best day of 2017/18

It has been a fantastic season for Burnley but perhaps the best result was still the first. The 3-2 win over defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a game in which the Clarets were three up at half-time, hinted at what was to come.

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Worst day of 2017/18

Manolo Gabbiadini's last-minute equaliser for Southampton at Turf Moor in February not only robbed Dyche's team of two points but it extended their winless run in all competitions to 12 games.

MATT LE TISSIER'S VERDICT

Managerial review

Sean Dyche has to be right up there in terms of overachievements. Had Manchester City not won the league by so many points, I think he would have been the leading candidate for manager of the season. It hasn't been great to watch but it's a phenomenal achievement to finish seventh.

Player of year

Nick Pope has come from nowhere, Barnes and Wood have chipped in with a few goals. Jack Cork has been solid and James Tarkowski has to be right up there. I'm going to go with Pope because of the way he's gone from thinking he'll be sat on the bench all season to being thrown into the team and performing every week.

2018/19 prospects

I'd be surprised if they could match finishing above everyone other than the top six, but if they make a couple of improvements then why not. Seventh place is up for grabs for anyone as the quality outside the top six has been lacking.

Sky Bet odds for relegation in 2018/19: 3/1

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