Norwich tactics did us a favour, says Pieters
One result, two perceptions. First, Burnley’s erik Pieters: ‘The way they play and how they beat City playing out from the back helped us,’ the full back said of the Clarets’ comfortable victory. ‘We pressed them 100 per cent, we didn’t give them any time, so it helped us win the ball and score our goals. I think they helped us.’ Moritz Leitner, norwich’s best player in a performance a million miles from last week’s shock win over Manchester City, was less appreciative of his opponents’ style. ‘If we are honest, they only had one plan — to kick it long and be prepared for the fight,’ he moaned. The result marked a significant turnaround for both clubs, following Burnley’s below-par showing at Brighton last week. And Pieters, sent out on loan by Championship strugglers Stoke City, was left to reflect on the upturn in his own fortunes. ‘I don’t see this as a second chance,’ said the 31-year-old Dutchman. ‘I know what I can do. Sometimes you have to choose for yourself and not let the club choose for you. I played 150 games for Stoke. Then that was over and I had to choose for myself. I know what I can do and I’m just pleased I’m here.’ Chris Wood’s brace killed the contest before 15 minutes had elapsed and Pieters was pleased for the new Zealander, whose goals were his first of the season. ‘As a striker you want to score goals and as a defender you want to keep clean sheets,’ Pieters said. ‘Chris wasn’t worried but I’m pleased for him that he’s scored two goals and that he’s back on track.’
BURNLEY (4-4-2): Pope 6.5; Lowton 7, Tarkowski 7, Mee 7, Pieters 6; Hendrick 7.5 (Brady 90min), Westwood 7, Cork 7, McNeil 7 (Lennon 78); Barnes 6.5 (Rodriguez 79), WOOD 8.
Subs not used: Hart, Taylor, Vydra, Long. Scorer: Wood 10, 14. Manager: Sean Dyche 8. NORWICH (4-2-3-1): Krul 6; Byram 5, Amadou 5.5, Godfrey 5.5, Lewis 6; McLean 6, Tettey 5 (Leitner 13, 7); Buendia 6, Stiepermann 6 (Drmic 75, 5), Cantwell 5.5 (Roberts 90); Pukki 6.
Subs not used: McGovern, Hanley, Heise, Srbeny. Manager: Daniel Farke 6. Referee: David Coote 5.5.
Attendance: 19,712.