First off we are working to deliver a more data-driven approach to the EFL Championship - this is a work in progress but in the future hopefully we can provide more empirical data behind our tactical and technical observations about the division. The outside interest in the EFL within the US is reaching a new peak (hence why CBS is making such a commitment to the coverage) and we’ve been having conversations around this the last few weeks. Quite frankly I wish this interest from these outside parties existed in USL and local grassroots American soccer, but alas it really doesn’t.
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Catch me all season long on TalkSport discussing the EFL Championship!
Nicky Hayen’s Burnley looked destined for an opening-day defeat against newly relegated West Ham United, trailing 2-0 well into the second half after goals from Max Kilman and Manor Solomon. However, tactical tweaks completely shifted the momentum at Turf Moor.
By introducing Zeki Amdouni and Josh Laurent from the bench just before the hour mark, Burnley bolstered their attacking presence and began bypassing West Ham’s midfield. Throwing bodies forward and playing with increased urgency stretched the Hammers’ defense which was looking like it might be leaky anyhow- this shift allowed Zian Flemming the space to operate which changed everything.
The talismanic forward, the one player who caught the eye in the Clarets failed season a year ago, capitalized, converting an 84th-minute penalty before scrambling home a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from a corner to secure a 2-2 draw.
Hayen seemed a totally out-of-the-box managerial hire for a club expected to bounce right back to the Prem. We have previously reported both Craig Bellamy and Robin van Persie were sought out as potential managers. But so far so good for Hayen.
Photo from Burnley FC
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