BARTON REWARDS BURNLEY WITH GOAL AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON

Burnley took a huge gamble with Joey Barton when they signed him despite his numerous issues with etiquette.


Sean Dyche took yet another gamble when he decided to introduce the player in the must-win match against the Saints. The former Rangers midfielder however paid the gamble on him by scoring a brilliant goal late into the game to win the match for the team.

The 34-year old proved critics wrong as he could really help the side this term as they seek to remain in the insanely competitive Premier League beyond May.

The spectacular thing about the goal was that Barton came on five minutes earlier despite not featuring in top flight English football for almost two years.

The player had allegations of betting hanging around him as he had the FA to face yet the club agreed to give him an opportunity after his ill-fated Ibrox spell. He played a key role when Burnley won the English Championship last year but opted not to follow them to the top flight, opting to play for Rangers. However his time there was nothing to write home about.

He played in the clash with Sunderland in the FA Cup last week but was given the chance to take the kick despite only coming on. Barton took the kick from 25 yards out, sending the shot low to deceive goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Dyche took time to extol the player especially after all he has faced. No club was ready to take him in after his issues but the club did and the fans still loved him.

Southampton were pained by the loss. Manager Claude Puel articulated the feeling when he said: “It was just one free kick, a strange free kick to win the game. It’s a big disappointment.”

Uncategorized

About the author