By Samuel A. April 8, 2023
In one of the most impressive performances by a team in the second division of English football, Burnley have been promoted back to the Premier League with seven games left to play.
Vincent Kompany’s exceptional side edged past another team seeking promotion, Middlesbrough in a 2-1 victory on Friday night, which was the result that sealed their return to the English top flight with seven games to spare after Luton Town couldn’t get three points earlier that day. Connor Roberts’ goal from close range was enough to seal the victory and promotion for the league leaders, after Chuba Akpom canceled Ashley Barnes’ opener.
Kompany said: “It’s Easter. There are seven games to go and we are already celebrating! We did not expect it. We wanted to experience it one day but we had a different timing on it but quicker is better sometimes. I have experienced these moments myself and I hope that the emotional momentum is worth a lot more. So tonight, celebrate and be happy. Tomorrow the coaching staff will be ready and I hope the players will as well because we have a big game on Monday.” From his words, you can detect that they’re not done yet.
Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season after finishing 18th on the final day of the season, are currently 11 points clear of Sheffield United, who are in second placed, and 19 clear of third placed Luton after winning 25 out of 39 games. Kompany has overseen the rebuild of the team to remarkable effect after being appointed last May, shrugging off departures of key players and bringing in 16 summer signings.
Burnley had been relegated last campaign after six seasons in the Premier League. Interim boss Mike Jackson took charge with just eight games to go after long serving manager Sean Dyche was sacked, but was unable to prevent the club slipping into the second tier. Nick Pope and James Tarkowski were the most important players to depart while Kompany asked for patience amid uncertainty over the club’s finances as well as personnel. The former Manchester City captain won just once in his first five league games, but Burnley hit the ground running in October and maintained their dominance, with Kompany shifting their style of play to possession-based football, which worked out perfectly.
Burnley will be joined in the top flight next term by whoever finishes second, with Sheffield United favorites, being eight points clear of third placed Luton, and the winner of the Championship playoffs at Wembley in the latter stages of May.
The 2023-34 Premier League season starts on the second weekend of August.
