Premier League English

Vincent Kompany issues rallying cry after Burnley lose seven of their first nine league games in worst run since 1889

How things can rapidly take a sudden turnaround for a side that knew nothing else except winning last season. It’s high time for a hard reality check for Burnley, the club that finished top of the Championship in the last campaign with 101 points.

Now the newly-promoted club can hardly secure a win and the stark reality is already begiining to set in after their recent 3-0 loss at Brentford. Seven defeats in their opening nine matches for the first time in a top-flight season since 1888-89 and 23 goals – the second-highest in the league this term – shipped is a damning indictment.

With the situation looking decidedly bleak, Burnley boss Vincent Kompany still holds on to his conviction that the lowest moments can yet produce the biggest inspiration. “My learning from being with teams at this level is you’re never far away from getting that real togetherness that gets you results,” he said.

“You have top teams who can lead the individuals to sort things out. For us it’s a collective challenge.”

Kompany’s side face a seemingly manageable run of fixtures next against sides like Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Crystal Palace and Sheffield United. After that they are up against tough opposition like Arsenal, followed up with a trip to Turf Moor to face West Ham.

Kompany has opted to remain positive, insisting that: “I have very a strong feeling about these type of moments. They define you as a human being. You’re at your highest high and you get success — can you still be together?

“What I like about this group is we’ve always reacted to these moments and we have to do it again. It’s a different level and we’ve got to level up.”