Adrian Clarke on how interim head coach’s positive approach lifted Clarets out of relegation zone

Adrian Clarke looks at the key tactical points and players in Matchweek 36.

Mike Jackson (BUR)

Burnley under Mike Jackson have approached the relegation battle with positive intent and are likely to adopt an attack-minded attitude at home to Aston Villa on Saturday. 

The interim head coach has taken charge of only four Premier League matches, but three wins and a draw have lifted Burnley into 16th, two clear of safety. 

From a tactical perspective, Jackson seems to have encouraged his players to get on to the ball with greater frequency, passing it more often than under Sean Dyche. 

Burnley have pushed higher up the pitch as a collective too. As a consequence, they have spent longer periods inside the final third. 

The results speak for themselves, but statistically the Clarets have also been transformed.

Dyche and Jackson stats compared

*stats per 90min

As you can see in the table above, Burnley are enjoying more touches inside the opposition half and area and it has helped them produce around four extra shots per 90 minutes. 

Their Expected Goals average (xG) under Jackson has increased to 2.0, from 1.1 under Dyche, which shows just how ambitious the former has been in terms of his tactical approach. 

One of the other areas of improvement under Jackson has been ball carries. This has leapt from 65.3 per match, to an extraordinary 89.8 across the last four fixtures. 

Jackson has given his midfielders, wide men and forwards the confidence to travel with the ball rather than consistently looking for an early direct pass into the channels.  

How Burnley midfielders have changed

Burnley’s 2-1 comeback success at Watford owed plenty to rare goals from central midfielders Josh Brownhill and Jack Cork. 

Brownhill is creating chances under Jackson, while Cork has exuded confidence on the ball. They have also had to balance this new licence to attack with key defensive responsibilities. 

Win at Watford highlights

Winger Dwight McNeil has enjoyed a new lease of life, producing a string of excellent individual performances, and so too has Aaron Lennon.

The 35-year-old has averaged 8.86 touches inside the opposition area since Jackson took over, compared with 2.34 before.

Lennon is also averaging 2.05 shots per 90 minutes, a huge rise from his 0.48 under Dyche this season. 

Bolder approach

Having climbed out of the bottom three, there is a different type of pressure for Burnley to cope with. It will be interesting if this alters the dynamic of their game plans.

In victories against Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton (all matches they drew in the reverse fixtures) Burnley were bold, conjuring a significant increase in shots.

Compared with the matches against these clubs earlier in the season, they produced a total of 19 additional efforts on goal, which included nine more shots on target.

Given their current form, Jackson and Burnley will be confident they can continue their drive towards safety.

Tomorrow: Adrian Clarke analyses how Everton can win on the road