Connor Roberts has delivered a blunt assessment of Burnley's mentality after a stoppage-time equaliser extended their winless start to the season. The Clarets were held 1-1 by Derby County at Turf Moor on Saturday, a result that leaves them 24th in the Championship with just four points from eight games.
Roberts, speaking to the club's official channel, said the team's failure to maintain concentration until the final whistle was unacceptable. He revealed he had told the team in a pre-match huddle to stay alert from the first minute, but felt that instruction was ignored until it was too late.
Derby's leveller, scored by Mo Fuseini, came from space down Burnley's right flank and was drilled across the goalkeeper. The goal deflated a home crowd and left players on the turf at full time. Roberts called the concession criminal and disappointing, stressing that talk is not enough. He said they just need to switch on.
The draw means Burnley are still searching for their first league win of the campaign, a run that now stretches back to February. It is approaching a full year since the club last celebrated a Championship victory at Turf Moor. Roberts admitted the psychological burden is real, but insisted the squad must treat each match as a clean slate. As a senior figure, he tries to reiterate that only the players wearing the shirt can change the narrative, a task he admits they have not done well enough.
Roberts challenged every player to consider if the sacrifice of being at Burnley is worth maximum effort once or twice a week, affirming that it absolutely is. He sees the upcoming international break as a chance for individuals to reset and buck up their ideas upon return. For now, he said all the team can do is keep going and not give up.
The immediate focus shifts to a trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford. Burnley have scored nine goals but conceded 17 this season, leaving them with a minus-eight goal difference as they prepare for a key period. Their current position of 24th in the standings is a stark reflection of their struggles, and they will need to improve their defensive record, which is among the worst in the league according to the stats page.
Background and full detail: Burnley Express
