Scott Parker and players applaud fans following Saturday's 2-0 win against Leeds United at Turf Moor
Scott Parker and players applaud fans following Saturday's 2-0 win against Leeds United at Turf Moor
Scott Parker said belief and resilience - and two moments of brilliance - guided Burnley to a much-needed victory against Leeds United at Turf Moor on Saturday.
A thumping Lesley Ugochukwu header, from Kyle Walker's superb cross, and a stunning long-range effort from Loum Tchaouna clinched the three points for the Clarets that saw them climb out of the Premier League's bottom three.
“The performance was everything that’s needed to win games in the Premier League,” said Burnley boss Parker.
“Huge belief, great resilience and a mindset to get us through the good moments and the tough spells.
“We made some tactical changes - and they worked well. As a coach you have to make big decisions. It’s great when something you’ve worked on all week is executed.
“You can never point a fingers at this team in terms of effort, desire and commitment.
“We’ve lacked nous at times - but today we showed nous in abundance.
“The players understood the task in hand, they went to places you just can’t coach - and deserved the win.”
While Leeds created the better chances throughout the clash between the two sides that finished first and second in the Championship last season, Parker hailed two stand-out moments of qualitt that won the game for Burnley.
“In terms of professional sport, you’re relying on bits of brilliance and the first goal showed that with Kyle Walker’s cross," he said.
“If you could have placed the ball where it needed to go, you’d have been spot on and the execution of the header. They’re the fine margins, the quality you need in this league.
“And the second goal probably epitomises that as well. I’d like to sit here and say I had an influence on that, or we train for that.
“But it’s bits of quality and individual brilliance that has obviously given us a bit of air at the back end (of the match), at 2-0, because the (Leeds) pressure’s come in a little bit, which you expect.”
French winger Tchaouna, a summer signing from Lazio, notched his first Burnley goal in spectacular fashion with a swerving 30-yard shot which dipped under the crossbar.
“The second goal was just natural ability and quality from Loum," added Parker. "As soon as it left his foot, it was in - an incredible goal, and something he’s capable of. We see it all the time in training.
“The second goal gave us the oxygen we needed to go on and win the game.
“It’s just one game, that’s our mantra here - but it’s a big win, which we’ll enjoy and then it’s onto the next one.”