MIDFIELD

It was in the middle of the park that the foundations of this success were laid.

The clean sheet was vital, of course, but Hull threatened only sporadically. That was because Joey Barton and David Jones took control of the central areas.

While Jones was tidy in possession and a handful out of it, it was Barton who caught the eye.

The 33-year-old put in a mighty shift as he hassled and harried Jake Livermore and Isaac Hayden and helped lead the pressing game that established control for the Clarets.

He was also a threat going forward, testing Allan McGregor from distance and with a header, before his involvement in the goal with his 20-yard drive.

 

BEN MEE

Mee might have missed out on the Championship’s player of the month award for January, but his form continues to improve.

Yes, his distribution was poor on Saturday, but primarily he is in the team to defend, and boy did he defend.

He has added natural balance to the back four, allowing Michael Keane to move across to his preferred right-sided position at the centre of defence.

After the game, Sean Dyche mentioned Mee’s leadership by example on the pitch and his commitment to the challenge was noticeable on a couple of occasions.

On this form James Tarkowski has his work cut out to get in this team.

 

EXPERIENCE

Eight of the 11 who started against Hull have tasted promotion from the Championship, and that knowhow of getting over the line could be crucial as the games tick down.

If it remains as tight at is currently is then experience in the closing weeks could be massive, and Burnley have it in abundance.

Several key members of the 2013/14 squad remain at Turf Moor, while Stephen Ward, Barton and George Boyd have all tasted promotion with other clubs. They know how to get over the line.

Can the same be said for the likes of Middlesbrough and Derby? They’ve both failed to get the job done in recent seasons, when they should have done so. It’s advantage Burnley if it remains tight.