Story by[]Tom Gayle - BBC Match of the Day commentator at St James' ParkMon, December 8, 2025 at 8:32 AM UTC·2 min readI wasn't the only one in the media room to do a double take when discovering the Burnley team news included Armando Broja being selected ahead of Zian Flemming. After a series of unsuccessful loans, where he has clocked up more injuries and time on the bench than playing minutes and goals, the striker has garnished an unwanted reputation of not being cut out for English top-flight football. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile pessimists will be quick to point out Saturday's display means Broja has now made 36 Premier League appearances since his last goal, optimists will have seen there is quite clearly a player there. For me, the Albania international epitomised the visitors' performance. The 24-year-old was the constant out ball, someone who was able to hold up and subsequently link play while the game was still 11v11. When down to 10 men, he never hid, he worked tirelessly and, in the rare moments of possession, he remained positive and tried to bring the ball forward despite being swarmed upon by black and white shirts. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn perhaps their toughest moment of the season so far, Broja and his Burnley team-mates stuck their chests out, stood up to be counted and, as Scott Parker told me after the match, delivered their "best performance of the season". At no point during the near 100 minutes of game time did Burnley look like a team who had lost their previous five Premier League matches. For the opening half an hour, and perhaps up until Lucas Pires' red card, they were unquestionably the better side. Ultimately, Burnley headed back to Lancashire empty-handed and we shouldn't lose sight of the fact it appears to be an extremely big ask for them to remain in the division. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, for those away supporters who made the journey to the north east, there should be plenty of solace in how a much-changed team clearly showed they are up for the fight and remain fully committed to both the badge and their manager.