Scott Parker insists there is plenty to be positive about in Burnley’s Premier League return, despite his side collecting just four points from their opening seven games.
The Clarets sit 18th in the table with one win to their name, but Parker argues that context is key. Burnley have already faced Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa — five of the league’s toughest opponents. Against teams outside that group, Burnley remain unbeaten, with a 2-0 win over Sunderland and a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Parker believes these signs prove Burnley are showing progress and can compete in their relegation battle, provided the squad stays focused on the bigger picture.
Parker: “Perspective has to come into play”
Ahead of the recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Parker stressed that he has seen enough growth in performances to remain encouraged:
“I think there’s plenty of things to be positive about. There’s also plenty of things that we can improve on and definitely get better. I think perspective has to come into play a little bit in terms of the level of what we’ve played against. I can see progression and factors in our game that are going to be fundamental this year.” — Scott Parker
While acknowledging the size of the challenge, the Burnley manager has praised his players’ competitiveness against top sides, noting how late goals from Liverpool and Manchester United denied them results.
“We won’t be judged on Man City and Liverpool”
Parker is realistic about which fixtures will define Burnley’s survival fight. While his team were comfortably beaten 5-1 by Manchester City, the manager pointed to strong displays against United and Liverpool as evidence his side can compete.
“Well, look, you understand the challenge. Your season is not going to be judged on those games,” he explained. “But in matches against Liverpool and Man Utd, we were hugely competitive and seconds away from getting something out of them. We’ll always go into games trying to be as competitive as possible.”
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Parker is right to emphasise the bigger picture:
“Burnley’s early fixture list was brutal, but they showed resilience. The real test comes in matches against fellow bottom-half clubs. Parker’s balanced message of positivity with realism could be crucial in keeping belief high before those decisive fixtures.”
Key Insights
- Burnley have 4 points from 7 games, sitting 18th in the table.
- The Clarets have already faced Spurs, Man Utd, Liverpool, Man City and Villa.
- They remain unbeaten against Sunderland (win) and Forest (draw).
- Parker says “perspective” is key and praised his side’s progress.
- Leeds (H) and Wolves (A) are crucial fixtures after the international break.
What’s Next for Burnley?
The Clarets will regroup during the international break before hosting Leeds United at Turf Moor — a match that could set the tone for their survival push. They then travel to Wolves, another side expected to be in the bottom half.
If Parker’s men can convert promising performances into wins, Burnley may quickly climb out of the relegation zone. But failure to capitalise in these fixtures could make for a long and anxious campaign.
👉 Can Scott Parker’s Burnley turn battling displays into points against relegation rivals, or will early struggles set the tone for the season?
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