Burnley will bounce straight back, says defender James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski is backing Burnley to bounce back from their disappointing defeat against Southampton at St Mary's.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Clarets defender believes there are positives that can be taken into Sunday's crunch clash at home to Newcastle United, despite the outcome.

The visitors raced into a two-goal lead on the south coast, with Matej Vydra extending the cushion on the half-hour mark after Chris Wood had converted from the spot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Sean Dyche's side allowed the Saints to draw level before the break - with ex-Claret Danny Ings on the scoresheet - while Nathan Redmond completed the turnaround in the second half.

Nathan Redmond of Southampton crosses the ball under pressure from James Tarkowski of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.Nathan Redmond of Southampton crosses the ball under pressure from James Tarkowski of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.
Nathan Redmond of Southampton crosses the ball under pressure from James Tarkowski of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium on April 04, 2021 in Southampton, England.

It was the first time since January 2015, in a game against Crystal Palace at Turf Moor, that Burnley had lost having held a two-goal lead in the Premier League.

“We can’t be naïve enough in this league to think the game is over when you’re 2-0 up,” admitted Tarkowski.

“There are some very good sides, with very good players. And even though we started the game so well with a penalty and a great goal we can’t just expect to win the game from there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s not something we’ve done very often. It’s very unlike us. I think our record of going ahead and winning, or at least getting a draw out of the game, is one of the best in the league.

James Tarkowski of Burnley looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on March 13, 2021 in Liverpool, England.James Tarkowski of Burnley looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on March 13, 2021 in Liverpool, England.
James Tarkowski of Burnley looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park on March 13, 2021 in Liverpool, England.

“So for us to go 2-0 up and be very comfortable – and almost be in cruise control – it was then just really mental sloppiness from everyone really.

“It’s rare for us to give away two very sloppy goals and then back at 2-2 the game’s anyone’s.

“It was end-to-end in the second half. They had a few chances and we had one or two.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But overall, it was disappointing to concede the three goals and that’s really unlike us.”

The Magpies, Fulham and Brighton all led for brief spells in other games in the top flight on Sunday, though Steve Bruce's side were the only ones to take a point after 90 minutes.

That meant the Clarets remained seven points clear of the bottom three with a game in hand on the Cottagers.

“We have been playing well and for the first 30 minutes [against Southampton] we were excellent," said Tarkowski.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There are positives to take out of it, but the main thing is the result and it’s a shame we didn’t get anything.

“We have been in a good place recently and to go 2-0 up and to be cruising and feeling really comfortable, to lose the game 3-2 is very disappointing.

“But we will bounce back. We’ve got another big game next week and hopefully we can put some more points on the board.”