Saturday 10 December 2016 19:04, UK
Burnley boss Sean Dyche gave himself a pat on the back for his substitutions that helped the home side beat Bournemouth 3-2 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.
The Clarets had led 2-0 early on, before Benik Afobe's strike in first-half stoppage time handed the visitors a lifeline.
However, with Burnley looking to wrap up the points by catching their opponents on the counter, Dyche opted to bring on strikers Andre Gray and Ashley Barnes 10 minutes into the second half.
And it was Gray's gorgeous back heel that set up George Boyd for the decisive third strike.
"I was really super pleased with my substitutions today - I do not normally say that - but I thought it had a massive effect on how the game played out," said Dyche.
"We created some very good chances and we could have been three goals to the good before we were.
"We are still learning as a side, credit to Bournemouth, they are a good side, Eddie [Howe] has done some good work with his players, some of who have been on a journey with him, and they are adding to belief from being in the Premier League last season.
"We are back to renewing our thoughts about the Premier League, but we can still do better, but our mentality is very, very firm here, as you saw.
"We wanted to take the game on as they had just had a great win against Liverpool, we knew they would come here shoulders back and with a nothing-to-lose mentality.
"So to start fast was part of the plan, although I must say a wonder goal to get us that fast start. And then a good goal from a set piece.
"And then a freedom comes with them being 2-0 down and thinking: 'What have we got to lose?' We have seen it before, and they finished the half strongly."
There was one moment of controversy when Afobe netted in the second minute of injury time at the end of the first period, despite the fourth official having indicated there would be just the one minute of time to add on.
"Do not talk to me about the time keeping, we could debate that for the next four weeks, and they get a goal just before half-time and then the game has a different feel in the second half," said Dyche.
"I do not know where they find the time from. It is one minute and they score after 1.18. We have had before against Arsenal and it is almost like they are waiting until someone has a chance and then blow up. I think it could have been done better."
Either way, though, Dyche was just delighted his players saw out the match to end a run of three straight league defeats.
"That comes [nerves] with being back in the Premier League, three defeats on the trot and the margins are tight," he said. "All of those things go into the melting pot and it is not easy for a team that is continually learning and trying to win games.
"And no game is over - Bournemouth showed that last week - and like I say, they are a good side and are continually learning, they have spent well, so we are really pleased with the win."
For Dyche and the Clarets, the challenge is now to record their first away win of the season to supplement their impressive home form, starting at struggling West Ham United on Wednesday night.
"The challenge is quite evident and it is tough going away in the Premier League, but I will say there is clarity of thought with the players, it is just taking that into their performance and we will look to do that," said Dyche.
