Sean Dyche: 'Burnley form beyond all expectations'

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has admitted that even he has been left surprised by his side's form across the first half of the Premier League campaign.

The Clarets picked up a late 1-0 win over Stoke City on Tuesday to temporarily climb into a Champions League spot, before dropping down to their current standing of sixth place.

Just nine more points are now required for Burnley to match their tally from the whole of 2016-17, when finishing two spots above the relegation zone, and Dyche is fully aware of the magnitude of his achievements to date this term.

"I've spoken recently, and I always try to be as truthful as I can through the media, I didn't think we could get to where we've got to this early because the Premier League is so difficult," he told reporters.

"I thought we were better off than last season, I thought the group was looking better particularly as we got to the end of pre-season and started looking into the first few games. I thought we were in a better shape - the way the team were going about the pre-season and how they were going about their performances.

"But I'd be lying if I said we could hit this point certainly this early on, not because I don't believe in us by the way, but because the Premier League is very difficult and even when you're playing well you can lose a game. I've been pleased overall with the performance level and it has brought some very good points so I'm pleased with that."

Burnley are seeking a seventh win in nine outings when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.