"A turning point? It needs to be"

Asked if our second half performance at Burnley could be a turning point after a tough spell, Dele was straight to the point. “It needs to be.”

Dele’s 50th Premier League goal (in only 153 appearances) gave us reward for that turn around at Turf Moor. Burnley had the better of it and led at half-time, Dele slotted home from the penalty spot to level early in the second half and we pushed on for a win from there, but it stayed 1-1.

We now face a huge game in the Champions League as we travel to Leipzig for our Round of 16, second leg in east Germany. The Bundesliga challengers lead 1-0 from the first leg.

“There is no hiding, especially in the Premier League,” said Dele. “The stats are there for everyone to see. As well as we’ve played in some games, we’re not getting over the line.

“At this point of the season we have to work hard in every game, out-fight teams and keep believing. We’ve showed the character we have in this squad throughout the years we’ve been together, and this is a tough period for us in terms of results, but I believe we can turn it around.”

So, what was said at half-time at Turf Moor? “The manager said a few words, spoke to the team, and we just needed to believe. We’ve amazing talent in the squad but at times, talent isn’t going to get you the three points and push you over the line.

“Everyone is fighting, everyone is working hard, and you need to match that. You have to have the same fight and the same enthusiasm, especially coming to places like Burnley. They work so hard, they are a threat and you have to be switched on for the whole game. Talent alone isn’t enough. You have to fight, and we did that in the second half and disappointed not to take the three points in the end.”