Mike Jackson reveals secret behind Burnley's improved display against Aston Villa
Mike Jackson felt Burnley’s much improved display against Aston Villa was down to a back to basics approach.
While the Clarets’ long wait for a home league win stretches to over 200 days, Burnley fans were left encouraged by the performance during their 2-2 draw at Turf Moor.
Jackson’s side played with far more purpose and intensity, showing a willingness to press higher up the pitch and go toe-to-toe with the Europa League finalists.
Jaidon Anthony got them off to the perfect start, steering home from close range, only for Ross Barkley to peg them back before half-time.
Ollie Watkins nudged the away side in front just a few seconds after Zian Flemming had squandered a golden chance to restore Burnley’s lead, but the Clarets weren’t behind for long as the Dutchman made up for his miss to equalise.
Both sides had chances to win the game late on in what was a frantic ending, with Burnley fans showing their appreciation at the full-time whistle.
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“I thought it was a good performance,” Jackson said afterwards.
“I thought it showed a lot of character and what we've spoken about before the game and through the week in expressing yourself and to make it really simple, have a go, you know, go and show what you're capable of.
“But again, the players have to do this. The coaches sometimes make things really complicated. But at the end of the day, it's about the players and how they respond and how they react and I thought the reaction was really good today.
“Don't get me wrong, we've not been good enough throughout the season, we know that, but all you can do from there is you can't live in the past, you've just got to try and find a way, as an individual, as a team, as a group, to say: ‘right, what do we do next?’ and I think we showed that today.”
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