BURNLEY’S record of just one point from their 12 away games in the top flight this season is starting to make for increasingly grim reading, and no side has ever survived in the Premier League with fewer than seven points on their travels.
Such have been the Clarets’ problems on the road this season that their 1-0 loss at Owen Coyle’s Bolton on Tuesday was actually their best away defensive performance of the season in the league – although similarly the hosts were able to keep their first clean sheet in the Premier League this season.
The Clarets’ solitary point away from home came in a 3-3 draw at Manchester City.
A total of 35 goals shipped in 12 away games, certainly when combined with only eight scored, tells the story of where the issues lie.
Burnley currently appear on course to surpass the highest amount of away goals conceded during a season - 47 by Sheffield Wednesday in 1999/2000 and Barnsley in 1997/98 - since the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams in 1995.
In the days of 22 clubs, Ipswich let in 59 during their 21 away games.
But it is the lack of points that will concern the Clarets the most.
The woeful Derby currently hold the worst away record in Premier League history, picking up only three points when they finished bottom two seasons ago.
Only five teams have gone a whole Premier League season without an away win. For Norwich and Wolves, it also resulted in relegation.
The Clarets’ record of 19 points from 10 games at Turf Moor means they still have hope, though.
The most telling statistic could yet be the lowest amount of points secured by a team who stayed up.
Just seven points on the road was enough for Fulham in 2005/06, although it is worth pointing out that they collected an impressive 41 at Craven Cottage on the way to finishing 12th.
Coventry only gathered seven and failed to win away during the whole of the 1999/2000 campaign, picking up 37 points at Highfield Road as they finished 14th.
Somewhat quirkily, the worst away record by a team to survive in the Premier League was secured by then defending champions Leeds in 1992/93. They also picked up seven points without a win in sight, but they had 21 games rather than 19 in those days.
Burnley’s last away win in the top flight still remains a 1-0 triumph at Newcastle, courtesy of a Peter Noble strike, just before their relegation in 1976.
In all probability, that is something that will need to change if they are to survive.
Survival by the skin of their teeth
Fewest amount of points secured away from home by a side who survived in the Premier League 2008/09 Stoke 10
2007/08 Sunderland 9
2006/07 Fulham 11
2005/06 Fulham 7
2004/05 West Brom/Portsmouth 11
2003/04 Everton 10
2002/03 Aston Villa 10
2001/02 Sunderland 12
2000/01 Tottenham 10
1999/2000 Coventry 7
1998/99 Southampton 10
1997/98 Sheff Wed 12
1996/97 Blackburn 14
1995/96 Southampton 10
(Clubs played 21 away games in the first three seasons of the initial 22-team Premier League) 1994/95 Everton 17
1993/94 Chelsea 13
1992/93 Leeds 7
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel