Scott Parker hails ‘outstanding’ Burnley ace for performance in 2-1 win vs Norwich, he was ‘the heartbeat’

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Burnley returned to the Championship’s summit after their win over Norwich City at Turf Moor on Friday as boss Scott Parker heaped praise on one star crucial to the win.

On Friday evening, Burnley beat Norwich 2-1 at Turf Moor to return to top of the Championship table, ahead of Saturday’s round of fixtures.

Scott Parker’s side started the clash in second, but thanks to goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony, the Clarets have reclaimed their place at the summit with a three point buffer on current second-place Leeds United.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	BurnleyBurnley	42	24	16	2	57	13	44	88
2	LeedsLeeds	41	24	13	4	80	28	52	85
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	41	26	7	8	56	31	25	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	41	21	13	7	57	37	20	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	41	16	15	10	53	44	9	63
6	CoventryCoventry	41	18	8	15	58	53	5	62

With the Clarets leading the pack with a handful of games to go, some experts have been concerned over Burnley’s long-term Premier League hopes with promotion looking likely.

Parker’s sole focus is now on Burnley’s remaining four fixtures, and the Clarets boss heaped praise on one star who played a pivotal role in earning the three points against Norwich to put them one step closer to the title.

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Scott Parker praises ‘outstanding’ Hannibal Mejbri for display against Norwich City

Burnley headed into the Canaries clash on the back of a disappointing goalless draw at Derby County in which Parker’s side failed to score despite having 70% of the ball. Pundits predicted Burnley would bounce back and they certainly did after two first half strikes from Hannibal and Anthony.

Hannibal stole a march on the Canaries backline and dispatched from a ball over the top to open the scoring with 15 minutes played. Anthony later drove at the Norwich defence then saw his deflected shot trickle past Angus Gunn to double the hosts’ advantage.

Norwich substitute Jack Stacey headed home with 15 to go to send some nerves down the Burnley spines, but they withstood the late pressure to reclaim top spot.

Hannibal’s goal, was his first in the Claret and blue shirt, and his creative spark was imperative to the win which saw Parker full of praise for the Tunisian midfielder post-match.

He told Burnley’s media: “I was really happy. He’s got an infectious personality as well as his quality of course. I thought he was outstanding today, he’s come out of the team over the last few weeks, and he’s come back in tonight.

“He was every bit the heartbeat for us really, along with everyone else, and probably unfair just to highlight Hannibal but he was superb. Well worthy of his start tonight, he came in and left a mark, scored a goal, probably could have had another one, got in some good positions.”

Burnley fans loved Hannibal’s hilarious reaction after netting his first this season and the Clarets boss is hoping he can keep improving, and increasing his goal tally.

Parker added: “I see someone who is developing for sure, someone who is taking onboard the wording and the coaching that we’re trying to give him. I can see elements that he’s really improving as well.”

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Burnley boss Scott Parker previews upcoming ‘big game’ vs Watford

Burnley now prepare for the Watford trip on Friday night which will prove to be another test during the Clarets’ difficult run-in. EFL experts believe they are in their best season form heading into the campaign’s business end, and will have to be to ensure the victory at Vicarage Road to maintain their title charge with Leeds United and Sheffield United chasing.

Parker added: “It’s been pretty relentless. It’s what we’re used to though I suppose and it’s what these players are used to.

“It’ll be positive for us because we can get some rest into them which is needed, and we can prep a little bit more in detail for what is another big game for us at Watford.”

The Clarets faithful will be keeping a keen eye on Championship fixtures this weekend following their Canaries win. If results go their way, the second tier title could be within Burnley’s grasp.