As part as a new feature, we’ll be asking opponents fans to identify their three biggest threats ahead of facing the Gunners. We kick it off this week as Burnley blog NoNayNever.net gives us their insight.
Identifying Burnley’s three biggest threats is a difficult task, but not for the reasons you might be thinking.
I recently wrote an analysis of why we’re struggling in the league this season, whereas in 2009 we thrived in the first half of the season despite having a relatively weaker squad.
One conclusion was that we don’t use individual talents, such as Robbie Blake and Wade Elliott last time, but instead attack as a unit. Forced to play deeper in the Premier League than we did in the Championship, the lack of flair players is proving problematic.
But there are dangers there.
1. Scott Arfield
For quite some time, Scott Arfield had scored our only goal of the season. He opened the scoring early on against Chelsea, and we then went almost two months without another. During that time he was always the player who looked most likely to double our tally.
Arfield has been a revelation. Last summer he was released by Huddersfield and in talks with League Two clubs, following disappointing form since moving from Scotland to England. Sean Dyche took a chance, moved him to an attacking wide position and he ended up our third top scorer, and a stand-out performer, last season.
He’s by no means a traditional winger, but that’s by design. He’s more solid and plays further inside than you might expect. He’s adapted to Premier League life instantly and one of the few Clarets that really looks at home here. He has a great touch, superb feet, bundles of energy and a wicked shot.
I wouldn’t bet against him being our top scorer this season – and as it’s his birthday, if we score at the Emirates it’ll probably be him.