Premier League: Sean Dyche takes positives after Burnley's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur
Clarets manager pleased with partnership between Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes
Sunday 21 December 2014 08:17, UK
Burnley manager Sean Dyche said there were positive signs for his side despite their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
After falling behind to a Harry Kane header, the Clarets soon levelled thanks to a fantastic strike from Ashley Barnes.
But Erik Lamela replied with another excellent effort as Spurs inflicted just a second defeat on Burnley in their last seven matches.
“I felt we gave a very good account of ourselves,” Dyche told Sky Sports. “To come down to a club like this, who have had a couple of good results recently, and play in the manner we did shows our growth.
“We feel the players are improving, not just technically and tactically, but in terms of coping with being in the Premier League and coming to these stadiums and still performing.”
Dyche, though, was disappointed with Spurs’ opening goal, which was scored after a quick free-kick.
Christian Eriksen was a few yards offside when the free-kick was played to him so left the ball, allowing Nacer Chadli to collect it and cross for Kane to head home.
“It’s a very harsh handball on (Michael) Keane,” said Dyche. “Harry Kane gets the tiniest of touches that deviates it on to his arm and then it’s tough from there. They play a quick free-kick, there’s a lad offside, he lets it run, and we know how contentious the offside situation is – who is interfering with play and who’s not?
“If that’s in the line of the goal does that (goal) get given? Probably not. I was a bit disappointed with that but generally we did well.”
Burnley did have chances to level the match early in the second half but Danny Ings was twice denied by Hugo Lloris in a matter of minutes.
Dyche said the connection between Ings and Barnes was "very good" and bodes well for Burnley, particularly with Sam Vokes hopefully soon to come back from injury.
“The goal was terrific,” said the Burnley manager. “There were good signs from him and that partnership. We have demand from the bench, Vokesy on his way back too, so good signs for us this season.”
