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Is Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart’s top-flight career over?

Joe Hart raised a few eyebrows when he joined Premier League side Burnley in the offseason. Having spent two unsuccessful loan spells at Torino and West Ham, respectively, many fans believed his move to Burnley was a step-down. Looking for an experienced goalkeeper, Joe Hart’s signing at the time for just £3.51 million looked like a great deal.

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Is Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart’s top-flight career over?

Hart has kept four clean sheets for Burnley this term. But with Sean Dyche’s club stuck in the bottom three, the manager dropped the former England No. 1 in favour of Tom Heaton. The move immediately reaped rewards as Burnley defeated West Ham 2-0.

Now, with Heaton expected to start Burnley’s next match against Huddersfield, it seems Hart has once again lost his place in goal.

What is Joe Hart’s problem?

Hart’s time in Italy with Torino was filled with as much poor decision making as it was with good saves. At West Ham, Hart’s professionalism and experience didn’t prevent the Hammers from fighting relegation.

This season, he is once again fighting the drop, but in a different claret and blue kit.

Since Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his desire to sign a new goalkeeper in 2017, Hart’s performances have declined.

If Hart’s days are numbered at Turf Moor, it begs the question what will happen to his career? Like former England No. 1 Robert Green, Hart could find himself playing in the Championship. Green is currently playing at Chelsea as Kepa Arrizabalaga’s backup. Yet, since the 2010 World Cup, Green’s career hasn’t been the same.

Hart’s play behind Burnley’s poor defence has done nothing to help out the side. Burnley have allowed the second most goals in the league (41).

Heaton has been at Burnley since 2013. He has seen the highs of promotion and the lows of the Championship. Hart is just a new boy, a hired gun.

If Hart gets back in the side, it will be due to Heaton’s inability to hold down the No. 1 position.