Burnley v Brighton: Season Ends with a Win

A positive result to end the season.

Summary

The opening quarter was a skirmish at most, with both sides struggling to create real chances. It was Burnley who had the better time, sending crosses in that we couldn't deal with.

But, a goal is all you need to change a game.

Specifically, a thirty-yard, powerful strike into the top left-hand corner. 

It was the icing on the cake for Yves Bissouma's recent performances. He had done the dirty work in defense well, and now capped it off with a wonder goal.

From then on, Burnley would push, and eventually find the equalizer. A brilliant over-the-top pass found its way to Chris Wood, who finished well.

The Albion would fight back again, and Connolly scored his third goal this season. His pace beat the Burnley defence, and once he was in on goal, he produced a mature finish.

The Clarets would equalize again off a corner, but VAR chalked it off for offside.

The final quarter of the game was defensively solid, and saw out an impressive 2-1 victory to close the season.

Tactics

Its interesting how many formations and tactics we have been through this season. Yet, we have come back to the formation we started with on the first day.

A back three of Webster, Dunk, and Burn provided a solid defense. Only twice did they get caught lacking, and once punished with a goal. 

Compare that to the opening day, when Duffy, Dunk, and Burn were the back three. Only our beloved Irishman has been replaced, and there are tears to come as it looks imminent he will leave. He did not make the matchday 20 for this game.

Yves Bissouma has, without a doubt, been our most important player in the lockdown. His impact on games is massive, constantly closing the space and cutting passing lanes. He also provides cover for his back three. 

And yet we almost forgot- he can hit a mighty good shot, too. His goal was truly, in the words of Potter, a 'miracle'.

Why would Potter say that?

Because, we had been struggling up until that point and couldn't find our way into the game. Then that incredible goal happened, and suddenly we felt much more confident in playing defense and springing numerous counter-attacks.

Lets not forget his partner in crime either- despite all the hate, Stephens has also been impressive this season. He is prone to the occasional error, and nearly gave away a penalty.

But his overall play on the pitch is very impressive, as is his movement off-the-ball.

Out wide, we went with Solly March and Tarik Lamptey. The tactical strategy employed by Potter here was very interesting, and it was something we didn't have early in the season.

Martin Montoya does not have the same pace of Lamptey, so he would need support often to cover the ground. Conversly, Lamptey is so fast that he can essentially play two positions (Right-wing, right-back). A true right-wing back. 

Its growing clear that Potter had that in mind when signing him. 

But, Webster would occasionally drift over to the right hand side and cover for him.

A shift from early in the season, when it was Burn who would drift forward and support. Not to say the tall fullback didn't get forward, it really was the two taking turns.

In the front was a triangle of Connolly, Maupay, and Mac Allister. The trio enjoyed quick link-up play all afternoon.

All three had good chances, with Maupay hitting the bar on a header and Mac Allister having a close-range shot straight at Pope.

But, it was Connolly who took one of his, steering a tight shot past the Burnley keeper. His pace allowed him to get in behind the defence and had the composure to finish.

From then on, Burnley would push, but couldn't find a way through our impressive defence. 

We did concede from a set-piece (a g a i n) later on, but VAR spared us.

Late on, a few subs would come on and finish the job. 

A solid performance, a solid win, and a solid way to end the season. 

Looking Ahead

Well! This was the final matchday, so there isn't much to look for besides transfers.

I will provide updates on those as I find them.

Also, expect to see some end-of-the-season reviews and some special, in-depth analysis!