Alan Pace has had a mixed bag of results for his first three league games as Burnley chairman, which was rounded off by a win at Liverpool.

His league campaign started with a 1-0 loss to Manchester United before the same scoreline repeated itself in a disappointing defeat to West Ham United. However, the Claret's win over Liverpool on Thursday night was an early highlight for Pace. 

  • Manchester United

Despite just one goal being scored, this game certainly had entertainment value. The visitors played with an open, expansive style and gave the Burnley backline an onslaught early on. It resulted in an early disallowed goal after Harry Maguire was deemed to have fouled James Tarkowski when going for a header. 

The goal the visitors deserved came in the second half after Paul Pogba volleyed a cross from the edge of the box. 

Sean Dyche lined up with his regular 4-4-2 setup but United's expansiveness and pace in attack became too much for the Clarets. As expected the Ole Gunner Solskjaer's side dominated possession with 63%. Burnley failed to have a shot on target and Chirs Wood and Ashley Barnes' poor form continued. 

Pace's first league game was a tough one and despite being poor in attack, Burnley battled hard but just fell to a better footballing side. 

  • West Ham United

The west ham game was more of the same, Burnley were resilient from start to finish but again lacked the quality to win the game.

Michail Antonio's early goal was enough for the Hammers who held onto their early lead for 81 minutes. The striker's finish came from an unusual lack of concentration form the Burnley backline, which allowed him to tap in Fornals' cross from deep. 

Burnley's attacking problems showed in this game and Wood's best chance of the game came from an offside position.

This is the game Pace and Dyche would have looked at and thought things need to change. Games like these are crucial for a team who could be drawn into a relegation battle and Pace won't want to see any more performances like this.

  • Liverpool

This is the one result of the three where Pace would have been beaming with joy along with every other Burnley fan.

Liverpool hadn't lost in 68 games at home before Dyche's men grabbed a late winner. It was the first time the Clarets had won at Anfield in roughly 47 years and the game was of huge importance to both sides. 

Liverpool have struggled to beat the bottom sides and it could be the difference between them retaining the title.

As for Burnley, three points against the defending champions is a huge boost to the confidence of the squad and it will give them a good base going forward as they try to string together a run of good results.

After two underwhelming 1-0 losses, this win comes as a ray of sunshine for Pace, Dyche, and the club, as they try to steer themselves away from a relegation battle. 

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