SQUAD STRENGTH

Two years ago if you’d taken three of Burnley’s most influential players out then the Clarets would have had almost no chance of getting a result.

At West Brom they had to do without Dean Marney, David Jones and Danny Ings and a squad stretched to the limit were well beaten 4-0 at the Hawthorns.

Now there is greater depth. Steven Defour, George Boyd and Andre Gray were all out on Saturday but still Sean Dyche’s side had enough to beat a strong Everton side, with Scott Arfield taking his chance to shine.

There’s still room for improvement of course, the bench on Saturday included four defenders, but the squad has progressed significantly in recent years.

HOME COMFORTS

The contrast between Burnley’s home and away form continues to be remarkable.

The difference in results is obvious but it’s defensively where the contrast is clearest. The Clarets have conceded nine goals in three away games this season and always look vulnerable on the road, but at home they’ve let in just four in six games, with two of those coming in injury time.

Not since December 5 have Burnley conceded more than once at home, and they’ve kept 12 clean sheet in their last 19 Turf Moor fixtures. It was Preston on December 5 who were the last team to score in front of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand.

If they can continue to be solid at the back at home then they are going to make this a difficult place to come for all Premier League sides this season.

ANDRE GRAY

The suspended striker was in action for the development squad in midweek and was present on Saturday.

Without him his teammates have done superbly, with two wins in their four games he has been forced to miss, while they should also have taken a point off Arsenal.

The question now is does he return immediately against Manchester United next week?

When Dyche moved to the 4-2-3-1 it was Gray who started as the lone striker at Leicester, with Vokes on the bench.

But the Wales international has taken his chance, leading the line superbly and scoring twice.

Will it be back to the 4-4-2 and partnering each other? And if not, which one will be on the bench? It’s a difficult call, but it's another sign of the increasing options available.