JAN Bednarek insists he has “no doubt” that Saints can go to Burnley and take three points – even if they are under new management – following his winner versus Champions League-chasing Arsenal.
The Polish international struck the only goal of the game as Saints defeated the Gunners 1-0 at St Mary’s on Saturday, ending a run of five without victory in the Premier League.
Within just one point of Brighton in the top-half, Saints face a busy week on the road with a trip to the Clarets on Thursday, April 21, before visiting the Seagulls three days later.
Burnley shocked the division after announcing their decision to part company with long-term manager Sean Dyche, who had been at the helm of the Lancashire club for nearly 10 years.
While a ragtag group of coaches and senior players took charge for their 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday, they could have an interim boss in place ahead of Saints’ visit this week – as they fight desperately to make up ground in the relegation scrap.
Bednarek conceded the week ahead will be difficult, but shared his confidence with the Daily Echo: “I would say every Premier League game is tough.
“We have to keep on going, be solid at the back and create chances up front. I think we have to play a bit more offensive to cause some more problems for the opposition but we have a few days to prepare for this game.
“We just finished the game against Arsenal. We have to rest a little bit and then in a few days’ time we will focus on Burnley.
“If we perform on our highest level, I have no doubt we can go and win this game. So now it is just about recovering and then in a few days’ time, focusing on Burnley.”
Directly following conceding six goals to Chelsea last time out in the Premier League, it was then Saints’ defensive players that starred at both ends to see three points earned against Arsenal.
They were helped by a switch to a more solid shape with five defenders starting, while Lyanco returned from injury to replace Mohammed Salisu – who has been out of sorts since an injury of his own.
Arsenal may have had the lion’s share of the clearcut chances, but it fell to Bednarek to power in from close-range following a corner-kick just before half-time.
After not scoring more than one in any league season for Saints, it takes his total this campaign to four.
“I tried to create an overload in the box,” Bednarek explained. “Moi (Elyounoussi) made a good pass and then we have scored a goal which gave us three points, so I’m happy with that, yeah.
“I am happy that Lyanco is back. He does a good job. He came back after a few months out and made a great performance. I’m delighted for him so hopefully he can keep on going and keep playing like that.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Fraser Forster again starred – this time making six saves, including a stunning reflex stop to deny England international Bukayo Saka.
The 34-year-old was Saints’ only admirable performer in the hammering to Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, but without help from the rest of the XI was powerless to keep the scores down.
This time, Forster was rewarded for his showing with only a third Premier League clean sheet in over 13 months.
“Even last week, we let in six goals, but I think he made a fantastic performance,” Bednarek admitted, of his shot-stopper.
“He saved shots on goal and today he did it again. The difference was he kept a clean sheet. We are happy to have him in the goal.
“He is in great shape and hopefully he can keep on going like that until the end of the season.”
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