As the Premier League season nears the festive period, it’s remarkable that no manager has lost his job, considering the 14 managerial changes last season, with six permanent managers departing by the end of November.
Vincent Kompany, Burnley’s manager, is currently under scrutiny, possibly riding his luck. Burnley’s latest defeat against West Ham, losing 1-0 and conceding two late goals, marked their seventh consecutive home loss at Turf Moor.
With 32 goals against them, second only to Sheffield United’s 34, and a mere 10 goals scored, the lowest in the league this season, Burnley has accumulated only four points from their first 13 games.
This point total is the second-lowest at this stage since the inception of the Premier League in 1992/93. Only Sheffield United in the 2020/21 season had a worse record with one point, leading to their eventual relegation.
Despite excelling in a more fluid style in the Championship, Burnley, now back in the Premier League, finds itself as a small fish in a large pond, struggling to adapt tactically and physically.
But Sheffield United’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, is also under massive pressure to deliver points. And after failing miserably last weekend at home against Bournemouth, Burnley vs Sheffield United is more than likely a must-win. Not just for the football club but for Heckingbottom to keep his job as well. However, United’s boss has refused to state this is a must-win fixture, even though we all know it is.
