Clarets' Collective Is Key

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Clarets' Collective Is Key - Westwood

Midfielder believes Burnley back on track after paving the way for epic win

2020-12-14T12:22:31.797Z

Clarets' Collective Is Key - Westwood

Midfielder believes Burnley back on track after paving the way for epic win

2020-12-14T12:22:31.797Z

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Manchester United - Image 3

Ashley Westwood believes the character of the Clarets has shone through in turning around the fortunes at Turf Moor.

A return of just one point from their opening six games had Sean Dyche’s men among the early-season strugglers.

But a run of just one defeat in the last five games – a 5-0 loss at former champions Manchester City – has given the Clarets real momentum.

And the move back towards their best was epitomised by a gutsy 1-0 win at Arsenal on Sunday night which lifted Burnley back out of the bottom three.

“It was a tough start to the season and we had a lot of injuries but the boys are coming back now,” said Westwood.

Clarets' Collective Is Key - Westwood - Image 1

“We have shown what we’re about in the last few games.

“City was a blip but they’re a top side and we’ve not quite grasped that one yet.

“But we bounced back against Everton and we’re on the right tracks again.

“We have been here many times when people say we are in trouble.

“But we have a great group, the manager believes in what we do and we don’t listen to outside noise.

“We just get on with it and we know the character of the group. It gets you out of a lot of trouble.”

Apart from the goal glut at City, the Clarets have conceded only once in the past five games with another clean sheet under-pinning their first ever Premier League win at Arsenal.

The Gunners played for more than half an hour with 10 men following the dismissal of Granit Xhaka for violent conduct after he gripped Westwood around the neck.

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And Burnley made them pay when Westwood’s corner 17 minutes after the midfielder’s red card was flicked into his own net by Gunners’ captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

But that slice of luck was no more than the Clarets deserved for a performance full of energy and steely determination, with the tireless Westwood at the core in helping lay the Arsenal jinx with the first top-flight win over the Gunners anywhere since 1974.

“We said before the game it’s been coming,” added the Clarets’ midfield metronome.

“We have been beaten in the last minute the odd time and we have put in some good performances, at home as well, and thankfully we have broken that and got a massive win for us.

“Going down to 10 men can give them a little boost and something to work for. But we settled down, played the ball, switched it and were getting crosses in and we got there in the end and then ground it out.

“We always knew we were a threat from set-pieces. It’s a big part of our game. Every week me and Dwight have a little running battle with it and it’s got us the win.”