Scott Parker explains Burnley plan to combat Arsenal set-piece threat | OneFootball

The Gunners' set-piece prowess has carried them to the top of the Premier League table

Scott Parker said his Burnley side are preparing to deal with Arsenal’s set-piece threat, but admitted that the Clarets will have their work cut out for them.

As such, Parker said the Clarets are working on ways to neutralise Arsenal’s aerial threat, but pointed out that the Gunners are still threatening from open play.

"Of course we'll work on that and we'll try to work out how we can best limit their success," he said pre-match. "They're good at them (set-pieces).

"When I'm watching them I see a fluid team, really. I see an unbelievably well-coached team, a team that solves situations. This is definitely not a team that relies on set plays.

"Now obviously, over the start of the season, there's been key moments where they've got wins from set plays. This is a functional team, and they're very fluid in the way they play.

"And defensively, it is really a foundation and probably something we lived by last year, really and gives you a bedrock, and they've certainly formed that. This is a top team and a well-coached team."

Burnley come into the affair having won both of their last two outings, at home to Leeds and away against Wolves.

It leaves them five points clear of the drop zone with nine matches played, but Parker is not counting his chickens before they’ve hatched.

He added: "It's obviously been a very good few weeks for us, back-to-back wins and an away win as well, so there's a real confidence and a real buzz around the place.

"It's still the early part of the season, there's a long way to go and the consistency of us and the consistency of many teams will be the deciding factor. Some really good early signs, which is very encouraging."