Following their sensational promotion from the Championship last season, Vincent Kompany’s stock had never been higher. The former Manchester City captain had come in and revolutionised the way the team played, bringing attractive attacking football to Turf Moor, and the team steamrolled their way to the Championship title, earning a return to the promised land that is the Premier League.

Many expected Burnley to be just fine this season, given the quality they showed in the second tier last season to win promotion. After all, Kompany had breathed new life into the club, inspiring confidence and hope that there was a bright future away from the often turgid football played during Sean Dyche’s lengthy tenure in charge.

However, Burnley have struggled in the top flight so far, and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after three games played and 11 goals conceded.

It all started with a home game against champions Manchester City to kick off the season, and it was a match Burnley were always unlikely to get a result from. The home side had some good spells in the game, but ultimately Pep Guardiola’s charges simply had too much quality, with Erling Haaland bagging a brace as City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Burnley had been due to take on Luton Town in their next game, but due to the Hatters’ stadium not being ready for use, that match had to be postponed, meaning it was two weeks before Kompany and co. hosted Aston Villa at Turf Moor.

An early Matt Cash double put the home side under pressure straight away, and despite pulling one back through Lyle Foster shortly after half time, Burnley just couldn’t get draw level, with Moussa Diaby adding a third for the visitors to seal another defeat.

From there, another home game followed, this time against Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou’s team just had far too much quality on the day, running out 5-2 winners and condemning Burnley to another defeat.

It’s been a difficult start then for Kompany and his team, and many are wondering if this challenge of keeping Burnley up will prove to be too difficult for a coach as inexperienced as the Belgian. There has been a certain naivety to the way Burnley have set up — they’ve been far too susceptible at the back, and teams have been able to walk all over them. That will have to change fast if Burnley are to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

Another worry is that three home games have passed without the Clarets picking up a single point. Home form is vital for any team looking to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, and the more defeats a team suffers at home, the more pressure there is to pick up points on the road. Burnley head to Nottingham Forest for their next game, and while the Forest v Burnley betting odds might make Kompany’s side second favourites, they’ll be hoping to spring a surprise.

In Kompany’s defence, Burnley have faced three tricky opponents to kick off the season — defending champions and treble winners Manchester City, an Aston Villa side going from strength to strength under Unai Emery, and a Tottenham team buoyed by the fresh perspective offered by new coach Postecoglou.

It’s too early to judge Kompany’s suitability for the role at this stage, but he’ll be well aware of the need to pick up points quickly if Burnley are to avoid being mired at the foot of the table for too long.