A new week in the second half of the 2016/17 Premier League campaign and for Burnley it continues to be about referee decisions following defeat to Arsenal.
Manager Sean Dyche has kept his calm as the season has drawn on with various decisions made by the officials that have ultimately ended up costing us in games and with the old adage that they even themselves out over the course of a season – well we’re in the second half of the campaign now and they don’t seem to be evening themselves out.
Reflecting on the defeat to Arsenal at the weekend at the Emirates Stadium Dyche felt robbed of a point as the game came to a close at two one.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media post game and starting turning his attentions to our next chance for three more points, he explained.
‘The fact is it`s harsh on my players because they`ve given everything to try and take something today. To have that taken away by a referee`s or linesman`s decision – for the second time this season against this side, don`t forget – is very disappointing. At home we had a farce of a last minute and today, my defenders are actually doing what they are meant to do, which is clearing the box to allow the keeper to work and hopefully catch a player offside. Their man is offside; forget about the incident that followed. It`s clear, so it has to be given. It`s tough to come to places like this and get decisions, but at this level, I expect that one to be given.’
With Burnley still looking for that first away win of the Premier League campaign, Dyche knew we didn’t deserve to take the tie outright but the point was more than fair in his eyes.
The day got worse with the injury to Dean Marney who was stretchered off, but the gaffer tried to look at the many positives still.
‘Arsenal are a fine side, but we want to be brave in our performances and we are improving. The mentality is solid now and there`s no fear – I think people saw that today. We are still learning, so I was very pleased in that respect. We`ve lost a player today and we`re waiting to find out how serious that one is, so beyond the result it`s a balanced view about respect to the players about what they`ve given today and disappointment because a decision has let you down in the end.’
Adding.
‘I don`t want to be crying it in because we`ve had two points taken off us in two games against this opposition. Overall, we just want parity with everyone else, but it`s just strange one that it was given today and I think at this level, the officials have to get this one right. I don`t think that one was a tough one. I`ve seen it back and he`s quite clearly offside, so that has to be given straight away.’
At the point of speaking Dyche was waiting to hear back about Marney so he couldn’t give an update but hopefully it looked worse than it is.
