Matt Scrafton's verdict on Burnley's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea
Burnley will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend when they make the trip to London to take on Brentford.
[placeholder image
Read More
Scott Parker addresses Burnley's 'brave' tactical switch for Chelsea game](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/scott-parker-addresses-burnleys-brave-tactical-switch-for-chelsea-game-5414937 "Scott Parker addresses Burnley's 'brave' tactical switch for Chelsea game")
Scott Parker’s side are still only a point adrift of safety though and will be hoping to lift themselves out of the bottom three with a positive result at the Gtech on Saturday.
That will be a difficult prospect, however, with the Bees only losing one of their six home games so far this season – and that was at the hands of Manchester City.
Keith Andrews’ side sit 12th in the table, five points clear of the dropzone.
Sam Barrott, from Yorkshire.
Manchester City were left frustrated with some of Barrott's calls during last weekend's defeat to Newcastle United (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Manchester City were left frustrated with some of Barrott's calls during last weekend's defeat to Newcastle United (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
He’s overseen 10 games so far this season, dishing out 49 yellow cards and just one red.
Seven of those games have come in the Premier League, two in the UEFA Conference League and the other in the Carabao Cup.
Barrott risked the wrath of Pep Guardiola during Man City’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United last week, where City were denied a penalty.
City also felt they were on the wrong end of a handball shout and a tight offside decision.
Asked after the game what conversations had taken place with Barrott, Guardiola replied bluntly: “Nothing. Everything is fine.”
Sky Sports, however, reported that Guardiola went into the referee's room at St James' Park after the game.
The Burnley Express has launched a new WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our Burnley Express WhatsApp channel.
What history does he have with Burnley?
He’s already been involved in a Burnley game mired in controversy this season, having taken charge of the Clarets’ cruel 3-2 defeat to Manchester United back in August.
Scott Parker’s side had a goal harshly ruled out for offside after Lyle Foster had rounded the goalkeeper, only to be penalised by VAR. The clips used in replays of the lines being drawn on Foster’s sleeve appeared inconclusive.
Barrott also awarded the Red Devils a stoppage-time penalty, punishing Jaidon Anthony for a shirt pull on Amad Diallo. Bruno Fernandes converted the spot kick to hand the home side a last-gasp victory.
After the game, Parker blasted VAR in a passionate rant, where he claimed football is rapidly becoming a “sterile game”.
Barrott also took charge of four Burnley games during the 2023/24 season, all of which ended in defeat (Bournemouth 2-1 Burnley, Burnley 1-2 West Ham, Tottenham 1-0 Burnley and Man City 3-1 Burnley).
Who is on VAR duty?
Neil Davies is the man in the VAR booth, where he will be assisted by Matt Donohue.
Tim Wood and Nick Greenhalgh are on linesmen duty, while Paul Tierney is down to be the fourth official.
Continue Reading