FARRELL WANTS STRONG FINISH TO PREMIER LEAGUE CUP GROUP

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Farrell searching for positive end to Premier League Cup group stage at Arsenal

2023-01-17T13:44:11.845Z

FARRELL WANTS STRONG FINISH TO PREMIER LEAGUE CUP GROUP

Farrell searching for positive end to Premier League Cup group stage at Arsenal

2023-01-17T13:44:11.845Z

FARRELL WANTS U21s TO LEARN FROM BLADES DEFEAT - Image 1

Coach Andy Farrell wants the U21s to go out on a high in the Premier League Cup when they take on Arsenal tomorrow night at Meadow Park (7pm KO).

The Clarets drew 3-3 at home against Swansea City last time out, with striker Michael Mellon netting a hat-trick and coming inches away from a winner with the last kick of the game.

That point wasn’t enough to take hopes of progression from Group G into this final game against the Gunners, but Farrell believes the side can still be proud of their efforts in the competition alongside teams playing in higher divisions.

U21s must use loss at Bramall Lane as part of development says Farrell

Speaking after last Friday’s draw with the Swans, he said: “I think [the mood] has to be a positive one because the boys – for me - have matched them today.

“We spoke at half time about the press, getting in behind more and winning the ball at the top end. I think they did all of that a lot better and got around Swansea quickly consistently when they got the ball.

“There’s going to be disappointment in us no longer being able to get through, that’s natural, but I think overall we’ve got to reflect on – for the most part – having a really good go at the competition.”

Regardless of the result at Meadow Park, Burnley will finish the group in 3rd place, something which Farrell wants the U21s to use to their advantage.

He added: “No game of football is ever meaningless, I’m a strong believer in that and that’s what will be passed onto the group.

U21 PL CUP PREVIEW: ARSENAL V BURNLEY - Image 1

“When they [Arsenal] are on the fixture list, it’s always a good game to go into. They’re one of the top academies in the country, you know that because they’re always in and around the FA Youth Cup final, and they’ve got some great players.

“For us, it’s all about trying to match yourself up against them and showing what you’re about. It’s a good chance for the lads to mark where they’re at in their own development.

“It’s a game I know the boys will be looking forward to, and I think when we played them at home earlier in the season we actually had our fair share of the play but gave away a couple of poor goals which changed the game.

“Hopefully they can go down there and have a real go at it. We’ll try and get something to end the group on a high.”

Our coverage of tomorrow night’s game will be provided on Twitter via @ClaretsAcademy. We’ll also have a report on burnleyfc.com post-match.

The U21s are back in Professional Development League action at the County Ground in Leyland on Tuesday 24th January with the visit of Crewe Alexandra (2pm KO).