Burnley boss Sean Dyche has admitted his side missed a huge chance to close the gap as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to bottom-placed Norwich City.
Pierre Lees-Melou gifted the Canaries an early lead as his deflected effort found the back of the net just nine minutes into the game. Frustrations grew for Dyche on the sidelines as his side missed a number of chances including a huge opportunity from Maxwel Cornet. But Norwich continued to press in the second half, and after 86 minutes Teemu Pukki doubled their lead to secure all three points.
The loss leaves Burnley four points adrift from Everton in 17th, as Dyche admitted his side now face a huge challenge in their bid for survival.
Speaking to SkySports, he said: “Big step forward against Everton and a big step back today. It’s a game less. The challenge is in front of us still. We have to close that gap and we definitely missed a chance to do it today.
“More people will write us off so it gives you freedom to play. I didn’t think we were where we needed to be today to win the game. I’m not bothered about anyone else, more focused on us.
“I won’t shy away from the truth. We just take it on and that’s the way it goes.”
Dyche reflects on Cornet miss
Cornet had the best chance of the game for Burnley as his effort was well-saved by Tim Krul inside the first half.
Burnley ended the first 45 minutes as the better side, however failed to capitalise on a number of occasions.
And Dyche believes these missed opportunities have been happening far too often for Burnley this season.
He said: “The truth of the season has been the quality in the final third. We get into so many good areas but you saw that with Maxwel Cornet’s chance. That has to go in.
“It’s a team performance and you have to find more moments than that. The keeper makes a big save at the end but we’re not opening them up as much as we’d like.
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