MAXWEL’S HOUSE
Clarets fans love Cornet, who is turning Turf Moor into his own personal kingdom
BURNLEY
4, Lowton 36
3Wood 32, Cornet
1
BY
BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche joked new star Maxwel Cornet will have “sore hands” from showing too much love to his new supporters.
But the feeling is mutual as Clarets fans will love cheering him on if he keeps turning on the style as he did at Turf Moor against Brentford.
Cornet made it four goals in five Premier League appearances as he added the third, following earlier efforts from Chris Wood and Matt Lowton, in Burnley’s first win of the season.
The Ivory Coast international scored the pick of the bunch, curling one in the top corner from outside of the box. And it’s that bit of magic which has quickly won people over.
You know what you are going to get from a Dyche team, and it’s why they are enjoying a sixth straight year in the Premier League.
The principles of hard work, organisation, and everyone knowing their jobs are instilled into every player.
But Dyche knew his team needed something extra and he looks to have found that in Cornet, the £13million signing from Lyon – big money for the Clarets. Remember here was a player good enough to score goals in the Champions League to beat Manchester City.
“Max can get the crowd going and get them on their feet,” said Dyche. “He is still developing his game but he likes working with the group, which is important.
“And I’m sure his hands are a bit sore from all the clapping he’s been doing!”
His team-mates won’t mind one little bit about Cornet taking the adulation if he keeps finding the back of the net.
Cornet has quickly become Burnley’s leading scorer, a role which normally falls to Wood. The big Kiwi’s fourth-minute goal to get things rolling on Saturday was just a second of the season.
But he is just happy at the impact the new man has had in his first couple of months in England.
“Max is lively and he’s come in with that exuberance that we probably needed at this club,” said Wood.
“He has hit the ground running, he’s a fantastic player and sharp in training. He is also doing it on the pitch, scoring goals and doing excellently for the team.
“And ultimately, he’s a very nice lad, which is why he has fitted in so well with the group.”
After nine games without one, the pressure was on to get a victory before the clocks went back, especially with a trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea next up.
But the Clarets were full value for the three points over a disappointing Brentford, and Wood knows they can take a little bit more belief with them to Stamford Bridge.
“Our performances showed it was coming and it just all clicked in the first half,” he added.
“Our confidence was always high as we know what we are about as a group of lads. But that first win is going to bring a little bit extra.
“We know it will be tough at Chelsea, but it’s nice to head into that match with this under our belts.”