It has been a long, long time since Burnley enjoyed as much of the ball as they did in their 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
The margin of victory may have been slender, but the performance left supporters purring as they look to seal a top flight return at the first time of asking after being relegated last term. Over the years Burnley have earned a reputation, albeit not an entirely respectful one, as a side who are content to give up possession of the ball. Some even labelled them 'long-ball' for the methods employed under Sean Dyche.
The epitome of this came in 2016 when Dyche's newly-promoted side beat Liverpool 2-0 with possession stats of a mere 20 per cent. That was a world away from Friday's win over the Terriers.
Vincent Kompany's first game in charge saw them finish with 70 per cent of the ball - something never achieved under his predecessor.
Not only that, the swagger and confidence displayed by the new-look side had Burnley fans in dreamland. The appointment of Kompany over the summer came as a shock, given the years he spent fighting for the Premier League and Champions League whilst as a player at Manchester City.
Granted, it may only be one match in isolation but the first game of the Kompany era offers promising signs for Clarets fans as they get used to life in the hustle and bustle of the Championship once more. Fans would no doubt be content with any kind of football which garners wins, but when it is done by displaying an easy-on-the-eye style then it resonates even more.
As noted, possession stats were well up from the last few years. But another pleasing aspect for those in the away end and the countless watching on TV, was the fact they restricted Huddersfield to so little.
Town may have undergone plenty of changes themselves in the off-season but remember this is a side which came within one game of promotion last season. That they could only amount to 30 per cent of the ball and register just two attempts at goal - neither on target - perhaps shows how quickly Burnley's new personnel have gelled, particularly in defence.
The starting XI had six debutants, including teenager Dara Costelloe. Another two were introduced from the subs' bench later on.
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All in all it was the perfect performance that gave a glimpse of what Burnley fans can expect under Kompany. Perhaps we should not be surprised. After all he will have learned plenty from Pep Guardiola whilst at City. Despite having very different tools with which to work with, Kompany's style of play clearly takes inspiration from the way Guardiola's sides set up.
Josh Cullen, one of the aforementioned debutants, was the stand-out performer in West Yorkshire. He bossed proceedings in the middle of the park, was always willing to show for the ball and generally dictated the tempo of the contest. His stats backed up him being named the man of the match, thanks to a 96 per cent pass success rate.
Kompany knows it is an impressive start, but was realistic enough to admit it is just that: a start.
"Beyond the good football I saw a team," said the Belgian. "I saw lads who've just recently learned to play together and take the fight on together, and that was good. Lots of running, lots of challenges, lots of bits that might not get highlighted as much because the football was good, but for me really that's more important for this season.
"We took this game by the scruff of the neck, we were there straight away, and that was good. I'm not going to say I'm surprised, but the lads have got something to be proud of today and tomorrow we go again."
Saturday sees Burnley welcome Luton Town in their first league game at Turf Moor since defeat to Newcastle in May - a result which sealed their relegation.
