Image credit: Getty Images
Burnley boss Scott Parker has admitted his team face a major challenge when they take on Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend, as he prepares his side to counter the Gunners’ growing threat from set pieces.
Arsenal travel to Turf Moor sitting four points clear at the top of the table, a position built on discipline, structure, and remarkable efficiency from dead-ball situations. Under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, the Gunners have scored 11 of their 16 league goals this season from set plays, a statistic that highlights their tactical precision and preparation.
Speaking ahead of the game, Parker confirmed that his Burnley squad have been focusing on ways to nullify Arsenal’s aerial strength but was quick to dismiss the idea that Mikel Arteta’s team depend solely on set pieces for success.
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“Of course we’ll work on that and we’ll try to work out how we can best limit their success,” Parker said during his pre-match press conference. “They’re good at them (set-pieces). When I’m watching them I see a fluid team, really. I see an unbelievably well-coached team, a team that solves situations. This is definitely not a team that relies on set plays.”
Arsenal
Arsenal have scored nine goals from setpieces this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Burnley manager went on to praise Arsenal’s organisation and tactical depth, noting how their defensive stability has laid the foundation for their strong start to the campaign.
“Obviously, over the start of the season, there’ve been key moments where they’ve got wins from set plays,” Parker continued. “This is a functional team, and they’re very fluid in the way they play. And defensively, it is really a foundation, probably something we lived by last year, it gives you a bedrock, and they’ve certainly formed that. This is a top team and a well-coached team.”
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Burnley head into the fixture in solid form after back-to-back victories over Leeds and Wolves, results that have lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone. However, Parker insists there is still plenty of work ahead if his side are to maintain that momentum.
“It’s obviously been a very good few weeks for us, back-to-back wins and an away win as well, so there’s a real confidence and a real buzz around the place,” he said.
“It’s still the early part of the season; there’s a long way to go, and the consistency of us and the consistency of many teams will be the deciding factor. Some really good early signs, which is very encouraging.”
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