Arfield looks to the positives after Chelsea defeat

Goalscorer Scott Arfield feels Burnley can only benefit from the experience of taking on a brilliant Chelsea side.
Scott Arfield celebrates his openerScott Arfield celebrates his opener
Scott Arfield celebrates his opener

The Clarets lost 3-1 to Jose Mourinho’s men, despite taking an early lead through Arfield’s stunning strike.

However, the Scot insists Sean Dyche’s players are encouraged by their efforts against the title favourites.

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He said: “It was clear to see what a tough game it was but for us it was the perfect game to start this campaign. There are different positives to take out of it.

“It was there to see why they’re favourites for this division, the way they moved the ball, the rotation in the middle of the park was brilliant at times.

“We were under no illusions how tough the game was going to be and it was up to us to keep our shape.

“They are terrific players. They’re favourites for this division for a reason. We knew how tough a game it was going to be.

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“But it was up to us. We definitely believed how good we can play. We’re here on merit, we’re not here to make up the numbers. It’s up to us to keep believing and take one game at a time.”

The Scotland B international added: “I think we did well.

“The players they possess are terrific footballers, the brain moves a wee bit faster and they make the ball do the work, make the pitch big.

“There are positives to take out of that performance and it’s on to Swansea now.

“It was a decent performance for us. We can play a bit better but the way we shifted the ball at times in the second half put them under pressure and pressed them in high positions.

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“I think we got behind them, many of the fans getting behind us helped as well.

“But we believe we should be here. We’re here on merit. We deserve to be here, we’re not here to make up the numbers.

People can say what they want but in that dressing room we believe in what we’ve got.

“It’s one game at a time.”

The lead was shortlived - four minutes passed before Diego Costa’s equaliser - but Arfield enjoyed his first Premier League goal: “It was lovely.

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“First game and first goal in this division, I’ve waited a long time personally.

“That’s something I need to add to my game, more goals.

“Like last season with the two boys up top had a great season, but we cannot just rely on them again.”

He almost had a second but for a fine save from Thibaut Courtois: “That’s what you’re up against I think, when you play teams like who possess great goalkeepers.

“It was a great save.”

It all added to a remarkable story for Arfield, who was allowed to leave Huddersfield Town on a free transfer last summer, before helping the Clarets win promotion: “That’s football, it changes ever so quickly. That’s why you need to enjoy it at the time.

“I’m under no illusions it can go the other way as well so you keep a level head and believe in yourself.”