SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 12 hrs 3 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
BL
Premier League | Gameweek 15
Dec 3, 2019 at 8.15pm UK
 
MC

1-4

Brady (89')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Jesus (24', 50'), Rodri (68'), Mahrez (87')

Erik Pieters pleased to see Danny Drinkwater finally make Burnley debut

:Headline: Erik Pieters pleased to see Danny Drinkwater finally make Burnley debut: ID:381688: from db_amp
Drinkwater made his first Premier League appearance since March 2018 in the 4-1 loss to Manchester City.

Erik Pieters hopes Danny Drinkwater is given the opportunity to show what an asset he can be for Burnley during the remainder of his loan spell.

The midfielder finally made his Premier League debut for the Clarets four months after joining from Chelsea and three months after suffering an ankle injury in an incident outside a Manchester nightclub.

Drinkwater was thrust into the side for Tuesday night's 4-1 defeat against Manchester City but struggled to have much effect on the game and was substituted after less than an hour.

The 29-year-old did show glimpses of the talent that made him a key part of Leicester's Premier League title-winning side but few of his attempted passes and flicks came off.

It was, admittedly, a very tough game for Drinkwater to make his first Premier League start since March 2018, and full-back Pieters said: "I'm really happy for him.

"He's waited for a long time to be in the team and I'm happy for him to get his first performance in. He would have been happier if we got a result I'm sure, but at least he got his first minutes in with us. Hopefully he can continue.

"It takes time but that's normal, he didn't play for a while, but he's looking good, he's feeling well. He's a great guy, he's funny, he fits perfectly.

"Everyone can see he's great on the ball, good passing, strong on the ball as well. And he brings calm in the team so hopefully he can get a couple more games to show it to us and show it to everyone."

Drinkwater's loan ends on January 6, with no indication as yet that Burnley might look to extend it.

His chance came because of an injury to Ashley Westwood and a change in shape from manager Sean Dyche, who pushed Jeff Hendrick further forward in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Westwood could be back for Saturday's clash with Tottenham, so Drinkwater may have to bide his time for another chance to impress.

Commenting on Drinkwater's performance, Dyche said: "He stuck at it and we know he needs football, everyone knows he needs football. We weren't expecting him to run the show by any means but he does need football and how do you get him football unless he plays?"

The Clarets slipped to 11th ahead of Wednesday night's games, with City choosing Turf Moor to make a statement after their disappointing draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

"It was a tough game," said Pieters. "They were right on it. A great first goal of course and then second half an early goal as well, so it's going to be difficult. They're still a great team. You can do better but it's just one of those days. We were not top level and City can punish you."

Things do not get easier for Burnley, with a trip to White Hart Lane to come on Saturday.

Tottenham have been resurgent under new manager Jose Mourinho, and Pieters added: "Spurs are a good team and Mourinho's a great manager. If the connection is there then it's going to be great for them but hopefully not on Saturday.

"There's no easy game in the Premier League no matter who you play. You have to fight really hard and you have to do the basics really well and go from there. I think everyone can't wait to go and perform on Saturday."

amp_article__381688 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-12-04 12:32:13:
html db last update - 2021-03-08 20:48:59 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Danny Drinkwater

Click here for more stories about Burnley

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .