Lancashire

Gavin Ramjaun
Final Score reporter at Deepdale

Image source, Getty Images

Many were touting Preston to go down come the end of the season, a long, long way off, yes, but as their finish to the last campaign saw them just stay up, you'd be justified to call it.

It's a solid side this, built on a big back three, a good keeper who can set up attacks, and old-fashioned bull-dozery up front. Never write Milutin Osmajic off for delivering when it matters, as he did from the penalty spot to give them the winner against Ipswich.

A talented player - and served well from the impressive Thierry Small down the Preston left. A modest team perhaps punching above their weight, could they be a shout for the play-offs?

It's a brilliant start for Paul Heckingbottom's side, two wins and a draw, with victories over two of the relegated sides from the top flight.

A word on Ipswich too, who need a wake-up call, still searching for their first win after relegation from the Premier League.

They play neat, intricate football but lack a finish. George Hirst, Sammie Szmodics, and Conor Chaplin are missing great chances; they've got the money from selling Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson. Kieran McKenna has to buy smart to stay in the hunt in this wily division.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Sautrday's Premier League fixtures.

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• Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa

• Burnley 2-0 Sunderland

• Arsenal 5-0 Leeds

Sarah Mulkerrins
Final Score reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Cullen told me before the game that the main thing they learnt from the opening loss was to ensure they took their chances. When the ball came to the captain, after some really nice team build up, including a deft flick on from Jaidon Anthony, the captain made sure to find the net. Just minutes into the second half, you could feel the collective wave of relief roll around Turf Moor.

There has been some trepidation on this return to the Premier League from Burnley fans, their last time here was not for the faint hearted. Would they find enjoyment in the top flight this season? Today they certainly did, with Cullen and Anthony lifting fans from their seats.

Scott Parked told me he breathed a big sigh of relief as Anthony latched onto Cullen's pass late on to wrap all three points. Jaidon Anthony too admitted that goal felt so important on the pitch, with Sunderland pressing for an equaliser. It calmed the nerves round Turf Moor and sent the fans away happy.

This place was a fortress in the Championship, Parker's aim is to bring that, and some goals to it, this Premier League season. Today was a sign that it's possible, this time round.

Image source, Getty Images

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom says his side showed their development in the 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Deepdale.

Milutin Osmajic's penalty secured the win for the hosts as they climb into the play-off places after an unbeaten start.

Heckingbottom says Preston won in a way they didn't last season and praised his players' character.

"We spoke last season about winning when second best," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We never won that way. Ipswich are a very good side and we had to stay strong."

Heckingbottom added that his team showed why fans should "stop moaning" about a lack of spending and says there are more important things.

"Forget the negativity. Why are we talking about what other clubs are spending? If that was important we'd have lost the game today. They are bringing £14m off the bench, they've got unbelievable talent that didn't get on the pitch.

"If that was the be all and end all we'd have lost. Quit moaning and focus on what we can do. We've signed good characters, we don't win today if we don't sign good people. Everyone connected with Preston should be proud of every player."

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It is strange to think that a game so early in the season might be so crucial but, for Burnley, there was no denying the importance of this one.

On paper, a home game against a side they finished 24 points clear of in the Championship last season would have been viewed as perhaps their most winnable of the season.

Defeat at Spurs last weekend was not unexpected but while the club may be braced for a relegation battle, ensuring it is seen as a battle rather than an inevitability is vital and the value of an early home win cannot be overstated.

For all that Scott Parker's men made most of the running in the first half, they created precious little, while allowing Sunderland two very presentable chances.

But they came out for the second half with far more energy and ran out thoroughly deserved winners, making the most of the two real chances they created while blunting Sunderland's limited attacking threat in the spell prior to the game-clinching second goal.

It is just three points but given the doom and gloom that may have followed a loss, this result allows Burnley the chance to exhale and build their way into the campaign.

Scott Parker spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Burnley's victory against Sunderland: "This is a massive three points for us.

"We knew the challenge ahead of us today against a good side coming off the back of a very good result. We were well worthy of the three points, which is pleasing.

"We have been very comfortable in those positions. Our structure was very good, I felt vert comfortable but in this division you never know, always fine margins. It was a bit of relief when the second goal went in.

"A lot of new players. It is positive today because we got a result. It is a big confidence for us as well. We need to keep working.

"We need to make this place exactly like it was today. Our home stadium will be massively important for us and the fans will play an important part in that."

Did you know?

Burnley kept their first clean sheet in their last 22 Premier League games since a 2-0 win at Fulham in December 2023, and first in 12 at Turf Moor in the division since beating Sheffield United 5-0 in December 2023.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

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