Ashley Westwood is delighted that Burnley are proving their doubters wrong following their strong start to the 2019-20 Premier League season. The Clarets have won three and drawn three of their opening eight matches to sit seventh in the table ahead of this weekend’s return to action following the international fortnight.
Only leaders Liverpool and third-place Arsenal have taken maximum points from Burnley this term, while they are currently unbeaten in four league games.
It is a far cry from 12 months ago when the side struggled at the wrong end of the table as the added demands of Europa League football appeared to take its toll on the squad at Turf Moor.
Westwood claims it is a help not to be playing in Europe this season, although he stopped short of using it as an excuse for the poor results.
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Instead, the 29-year-old revealed that the squad returned for pre-season training in the summer determined to prove to their critics that they can be a force in the Premier League.
He told the club’s website: “Everyone took that on board and wanted to prove people wrong. We weren’t happy with the start we made last season; nobody was, but we’ve made amends for that.”
A tough trip to Leicester is up next for Sean Dyche’s men on Saturday as they target a first away win of the season at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes have also enjoyed a solid start to the season and sit in fourth place with 14 points.
A win for Burnley would take them above their hosts, who Westwood believes can challenge to secure Champions League qualification.
The former Aston Villa man added: “If anyone is going to give it a good go and break into the so-called big four, Leicester look like they are the ones.”
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