Sean Dyche hails ‘important week’ for Burnley in battle for survival

Burnley boss Sean Dyche praised the mentality of his team after they fought back to earn a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace and make it a seven-point week.

Jeffrey Schlupp fired the hosts ahead after nine minutes in south London and the Clarets at this point looked to be struggling after vital but taxing recent wins over Brighton and Tottenham.

The visitors came out with more belief after the break and equalised within 40 seconds after Eagles captain Luka Milivojevic deflected Aaron Lennon’s cross into his own net to ensure both teams had to settle for a 12th draw in the Premier League this season.

“We have had a big week, an important week and that’s another point on the board. I think it is only one loss in seven now so that is good for the mentality of the side,” Dyche said.

“I think first half there were a few cloudy minds, I didn’t think there was much in it with our performance other than that and then second half a great mentality towards it.

“We ask a lot of these players. We came all the way down to Brighton (last Saturday), it took hours. Then we came down here and it took hours.

“I drove down and it took me seven (hours) so it is a big ask and those type of journeys are not ideal. We looked a bit sluggish in the first half but a very strong response second half I thought.”

Veteran Lennon, who made his top-flight debut in 2003, produced another decisive display with the assist for Burnley’s equaliser, which keeps them in 18th position but within touching distance of safety.

The former Tottenham winger rejoined the club in August and has been a regular in recent weeks, scoring in the games with Manchester United and Brighton.

Dyche added: “He has been good since he has been here but what he is doing is applying