WE had a winless run of six games before the match on Saturday against Charlton Athletic and the reason for that was the lack of scoring goals.

We have created numerous chances but they have not been taken and in the first half against Charlton it was more of the same.

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That was until Scott Arfield opened the scoring on 44 minutes.

That goal gave everyone a lift going into half-time and it was a different story in the second half.

Arfield added another shortly after the interval and we went on and completed a 4-0 win, which was Sean Dyche’s biggest win as Burnley boss.

The manager admitted that we have had chances over the last seven games to win but have not taken them so it was great to see the goals fly in against the Addicks.

A big factor for me was the return of Dean Marney, who got man of the match and deservedly so.

His partnership with Joey Barton looks excellent and that made the centre of midfield look very solid.

Marney is the man in the middle of the park, he runs it. I am not having a dig at Dave Jones here, who was the man to miss out, but I just think that Marney is a more constructive midfielder.

It is a confidence thing with him. He is a key factor and he is the type of player who you can give the ball to and know that he won’t lose possession and that he can make things happen.

For me, he also spreads confidence in the other players in the team and I think when Marney plays well, Burnley play well.

Indeed, the second half was the best performance I have seen from the Clarets all season and the changes Dyche was able to make emphasises just how strong a squad he has assembled.

Matt Lowton enjoyed a good game at right back and I was pleased with the way he was able to get forward and help the midfield and attack.

Our next game is on Boxing Day away at Hull City, who sit one place above us in the table with 41 points against our 38, so it is game we need to get something out of.

I will be happy with a point but the win over Charlton must have given the team a tremendous boost going into the festive season.

The goals have started to come after a bit of a barren spell and it was nice to see both Andre Gray and Sam Vokes on the scoresheet. Although we are not in the top two in the table, there is still a long way to go and we are sat in a really nice position so let’s just take it a game at a time and enjoy our Christmas festivities.

On that note, I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas. I have asked Santa Claus – yes I still believe in him – for three points against Hull on Saturday.

Let’s hope he delivers.