Scott Parker praised his Burnley players' fighting spirit after they secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Armando Broja's 90th-minute equalizer canceled out Antoine Semenyo's earlier goal, preventing Burnley from succumbing to their eighth successive defeat.
Parker, returning to Dean Court for the first time since his sacking as Cherries boss in August 2022, acknowledged the importance of the result, especially considering Burnley's recent struggles. "The most important thing was the result, let's not beat about the bush," he stated. "Today wasn't about the performance". He emphasized the need to "draw a line" under their previous run of form.
Parker admitted that Burnley had conceded "sloppy goals" this season, making them too vulnerable in games. However, he felt they were solid against Bournemouth, a team he believes is one of the most physical in the league. He lauded his players for demonstrating the necessary "ingredient" in what he described as an "absolute dogfight".
The Burnley manager highlighted the impact of his substitutes, Armando Broja and Marcus Edwards, whose combination led to the crucial late goal. Parker was particularly pleased for Broja and Edwards, emphasizing that their contribution spoke volumes about the team's spirit, especially considering their limited recent involvement.
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, will undoubtedly view the game as two points dropped, having dominated possession and chances for extended periods. Despite Semenyo's goal, which was his eighth of the season, Bournemouth failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Iraola rued his team's missed chances, acknowledging the danger of a 1-0 lead. He felt his team controlled the game well but failed to "kill it off".
The draw leaves Bournemouth's winless streak extended to eight league games. Prior to the match, Bournemouth were on a seven-game winless run, while Burnley was enduring a six-game losing streak. Bournemouth's last victory was in late October against Nottingham Forest. Similarly, Burnley's last win was against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Parker had made six changes to his starting lineup due to a spate of illness, including the return of Kyle Walker after suspension. Bournemouth created early pressure, with David Brooks coming close to scoring. Semenyo was a constant threat, creating opportunities for himself and teammates. Burnley struggled to create any significant threat in the first half, with only 28% possession.
The match marked Scott Parker's return to Bournemouth, where he previously led the team to promotion in 2022. However, his tenure ended with his sacking following a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool.
