Burnley still in the fight
Burnley’s loss at Brentford last weekend was the latest unwelcome reminder that Premier League football is among the cruellest of sports.
The Clarets thought they had earned just a fourth away point of the campaign courtesy of Zian Flemming’s 85th-minute penalty, only for Brentford to regain the lead just a minute later.
The net result is that Burnley begin a busy December with 10 points after 13 matches. Although that leave Scott Parker’s side 19th in the table, they remain just one point from safety in a closely fought bottom half.
The Clarets can also take solace from the record of newly promoted teams who have made similar starts to Burnley this season.
Seven promoted sides have had 10 points or fewer at this stage of a Premier League season and gone on to survive.
