Vincent Kompany's reign as Burnley boss is up and running at the first attempt – thanks to a delightful first-half winner from Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen.
Belgian icon Kompany, who captained Manchester City to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups, had Dutchman Maatsen to thank for last night’s win. The 20-year-old left-back has joined the new-look Clarets on a season-long loan and rifled home in style in the 18th minute to finish off a move he started.
It was enough to have Kompany punching the air in delight at pitchside alongside his assistant and former City team-mate Craig Bellamy.
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Huddersfield were second-best and not even an improved second-half display could save them from a dismal opening-day defeat. Much has changed at both clubs since the end of last season, when Huddersfield lost to Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-off final and Burnley were relegated after six years in the top flight.
Carlos Corberan jumped ship from the John Smith’s Stadium amid concerns over the size of his budget and was replaced by first-team coach Danny Schofield. Inspirational captain Lewis O’Brien and goalscoring defender Harry Toffolo were also sold to Forest for a combined fee of around £10million.
Burnley’s appointment of their new boss is seen as a benchmark of their ambition, even if Kompany has been quick to play down expectations during a summer which has seen key players such as James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Nick Pope leave.
Yet the new-look Clarets, who have made nine new signings during the summer and included five in their starting line-up, dominated the first half from start to finish. Backed by a raucous, sold-out away following, they popped the ball around with a swagger and led through debutant Maatsen in the 18th minute.
The on-loan Chelsea man swept home a low right-foot shot into the far corner to finish off a well-worked move he started himself. Chances continued to come and go in front of Huddersfield’s goal, with Connor Roberts drawing a fine save from Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls after latching onto Jack Cork’s deft pass.
Huddersfield upped the tempo after the restart but failed to make it pay as the Clarets defended doggedly. Burnley almost added a second when substitute Scott Twine’s superb free-kick rebounded off a post. In the end, the Clarets were worthy winners and a jubilant Kompany roared his approval at the final whistle.
