Robbie Savage says relegation dogfight is ‘quite clear’ after only a QUARTER of the season
Robbie Savage believes the Premier League‘s relegation spots for this season are already close to being decided after watching Manchester City swipe aside Burnley.
Riyad Mahrez netted a superb hat-trick at the Etihad as City struck five past their opponents for the fourth time in a row at the ground – leaving them teetering precariously one point above the drop zone.
And BT Sport pundit says Burnley’s limp display has forced them into the dogfight alongside the current bottom three teams, despite just a quarter of the campaign having been played.
Robbie Savage said the relegation spots are already close to being decided after Burnley’s loss
BT Sport pundit Savage claims the current bottom four sides are stuck in a relegation dogfight
When questioned why Burnley struggled once again at City’s home venue, Savage said: ‘I’ve got no idea. They worked hard for their manager but the quality wasn’t there.’
Sean Dyche’s side have struggled to score goals this term and conceded 17 in their first nine fixtures.
Savage conceded that these concerning statistics, coupled with the poor form of the clubs below them, are likely to condemn Burnley to scrap harder than ever for their top-flight credentials.
Burnley had endured a miserable afternoon against Manchester City and again conceded five
‘The big worry for Burnley now is just four goals in their Premier League games. I think three of the bottom four, that’s who is going to go down,’ he added.
‘I think Brighton with 10 points will have enough going forward, because they can score goals. I think already the relegation situation is quite clear, it’s three of those four.’
Benjamin Mendy opened his account for City with the third goal of the afternoon on Saturday, with Ferran Torres also getting off the mark in the league after the hour mark.
Burnley next face Everton and Arsenal in a difficult week of fixtures, and Savage has underlined the importance of the players pulling together soon to turn their fortunes around.
Riyad Mahrez scored a superb hat-trick with Benjamin Mendy and Ferran Torres also on target
Savage hailed Sean Dyche’s efforts but admitted Burnley’s lack of threat up front is concerning
He said: ‘It is going to hurt (for Burnley). That’s 20-0 (goals scored) in all competitions for Burnley here. It’s difficult.
‘I just think Dyche has got to regroup. It’s not easy coming to the Etihad. I wouldn’t say it’s a free hit because Dyche, everywhere he goes, will want to compete.
‘The quality in City’s side today just far outweighed Burnley. They’ll keep going.
‘Dyche, for me, achieves every single season. Every time Burnley are in the Premier League, it’s a success.’
