Scott Parker has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal’s early-season success is built solely on set-pieces, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s side are a “fluid, unbelievably well-coached team” ahead of Burnley’s meeting with the Premier League leaders at Turf Moor.
Arsenal travel to Lancashire top of the table and boasting a remarkable defensive record, but Parker believes much of the debate around their style of play has missed the point.
“You can’t say they just totally rely on set-plays,” he said. “They’ve had key moments so far this season where they’ve got wins from set-pieces, but they’re an exceptional, well-oiled machine.”
Parker, whose Burnley side will take confidence from back-to-back victories in the league, was emphatic in his respect for Arteta’s transformation of the team. “They’re a really good side, that’s been together for some time – they’re competing at the top of the Premier League and are in and around the favourites to be champions this season,” he said.
“I see a fluid, unbelievably well-coached team. They’ve got a great bedrock defensively, something we enjoyed success with last season, but they’re just an overall top, top side.”
Arsenal have not lost in the league at Turf Moor since 1973, a run that stretches back more than half a century, and have won 23 of their last 24 league matches against promoted opposition.
But while history and form point heavily in Arsenal’s favour, Parker has demanded his players make the most of their home advantage.
“We’re at home and our stadium has been a fortress for us – we’ve had an incredible home record in my time here,” he said. “We’ve made Turf Moor a really tough place for teams to come and play, and the fans have played a massive part in that. We need to make it exactly like that again this weekend.”
With Burnley still missing Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer through injury, their squad will again be stretched. Yet Parker wants to see spirit compensate for absences. “Our fans are going to need to bring absolutely humungous energy into the stadium, our players are going to need to bring unbelievable spirit, showing the best version of themselves,” he said. “We’ll be fearless in our approach and in how we go about it – showing confidence, desire and passion.”
Despite the gulf between the sides on paper, Parker insists his team will not be cowed. “The aim is always to get a positive result, no matter who the opposition are,” he said.
“We’re going to need certain ingredients in how we go about it. We’re going to need to be at our optimum in almost every facet. But it’s 90 minutes and anything can happen.”