SEAN Dyche said the decision to leave Belgium international Steven Defour on the bench for the trip to Stoke City was made in the interests of finding a different way of playing after a poor run of form away from home.

The 28-year-old was relegated to the bench as Dyche opted for a return to 4-4-2 at the Bet365 Stadium, with Sam Vokes and Matt Lowton also making way for the trip to the Potteries.

Burnley turned in an improved performance on their travels but still succumbed to a 2-0 defeat and Dyche revealed that although Defour had made way and had remained on the bench, he could well return next week when Burnley welcome Bournemouth to Turf Moor.

"It’s never to do with any individual. It’s just to do with the team," Dyche said when asked of the decision to leave one of his big summer signings out.

"I work on a team basis for the club, so we have to find a different way of playing in certain situations and we thought it was appropriate for today. Next week it may be radically different."

Although Burnley were beaten at Stoke Dyche felt they were on the wrong end of two decisions, with penalty appeals for handball from Scott Arfield's deflected free-kick turned down in the second minute, before ex-Barcelona man Marc Muniesa was only booked for pulling back Andre Gray as last season's top scorer tried to break through on goal.

Stoke's second goal also arrived amid controversy, with Stephen Ward putting the ball out on halfway to allow Jonathan Walters to receive treatment, only for Charlie Adam to return it deep in Burnley territory for a throw-in.

Although Burnley did work the ball clear it soon came back at them through Muniesa, who applied the finish to a move he started.

"We've got to learn more about the Premier League, the gamesmanship was on show today - they do it way better than we do," said Dyche.

"We're still a bit green, too honest at times for this division, more so than any other side.

"It's part of our growth, understanding how to manage the game though gamesmanship.

"They did that well at times."