Burnley did a lot of things today.
The Result:
Burnley 4, Wolverhampton 0
How It Happened:
Chris Wood had a hat trick.
In the first half.
And while they couldn’t hold a draw, or a one-goal lead, or a two-goal lead, Burnley could hold a three-goal lead. They did it. They got the win they needed.
What It Means:
It vaults Burnley at least temporarily past Southampton, though Southampton has a game in hand. The Clarets also passed Newcastle and Brighton, so the lads now sit in 14th place. Most importantly, they’re nine points up now on the first team in line for relegation, Fulham, and FiveThirtyEight has Burnley’s relegation probability down to one percent. Not officially safe. But close. Hopefully just two weeks away from clinching.
Other News:
Nick Pope was back, which is a relief. Also, evidently a bunch of teams (all of them?) are boycotting social media next weekend, which could be a problem for those of us who occasionally “watch games” by checking in on Twitter.
General Thoughts:
Whose idea was the sun?
Burnley Thoughts:
Really, really needed that. Needed to win. Needed to protect a lead. Needed a vibe correction. So close to being safe now. West Ham (H), Fulham (A), Leeds (H), Liverpool (H), Sheffield United (A). Just need five points if one of them comes against Fulham. Four if three come against Fulham.
What’s Next:
The West Ham game is a week from tomorrow. Back end of the weekend, so should have a pretty good idea of what’s needed, although I don’t think clinching can be on the table mathematically.
