KOMPANY LOOKS AHEAD TO ARSENAL TRIP

Clarets boss previews Saturday’s visit to the Emirates

Manager Vincent Kompany says this weekend’s trip to Arsenal is a chance for his side to ‘measure themselves’ against last season’s Premier League runners-up but insists the mindset to win remains the same.

The Clarets take on Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates, where Burnley are unbeaten in their last two visits to the Gunners but Kompany knows his side are in for a challenging afternoon against the hosts.

Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the clash with Arsenal, Kompany says the ‘desire to win has to be a habit’ for his side and hopes his team can claim a ‘suprise’ result against the Gunners who are unbeaten at home this season.

The Burnley boss said: “Our mindset doesn’t ever change. I think the desire to win has to be a habit and this dedicated group give everything they can for this Club.

“Ok, they (Arsenal) have top players and are a top team but it’s a chance to measure ourselves against some of the best and hopefully get a surprise result there.

“There is no lack of effort amongst this team and they work very hard every single day and give their absolute best.

“I think belief is the most important thing and other than tactics, key moments to go our way and a little bit of luck, we have to believe to win.”

Saturday will see Kompany come up against a former coach in Arteta, who spent three years at Manchester City between 2016-2019 when Kompany was a player.

The Clarets chief had high praise for Arteta’s progress since taking charge of the Gunners and applauded the team that has been put together in north London by the Spaniard.

“It’s a very complete team, you can see the journey they’ve been on. It’s a robust, strong squad with great technical ability, speed and is well coached.

“They have built a team now that is one of the best teams in the league and let’s not forget how he (Arteta) was judged at the beginning of his time there.

“There’s been a project planned there since day one and with his (Arteta’s) good mix of intelligence, passion and resilience, it’s worked out well for them.”

Kompany reflected: “When he was coaching he was still able to join in the training sessions at times and then he was extremely passionate, driven and dedicated to it.

“He had a big role behind the scenes for the club and I don’t think anyone would have doubted that he would go on to be a good manager.”