Parker tells Championship leaders Burnley to ´stay calm´ after narrow Norwich victory

Scott Parker urged Burnley to “stay calm” after they returned to the top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Norwich City.

With Leeds United and Sheffield United not playing until Saturday, the Clarets stole an early march on their rivals, while moving five points clear of the third-placed Blades.

First-half goals from Hannibal Mejbri and Jaidon Anthony put Burnley in control at Turf Moor, though Jack Stacey’s 76th-minute strike ensured a nervy finish for the hosts.

Nevertheless, Parker’s side held out to ensure their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League remains firmly on track.

The Clarets also extended their unbeaten league streak to 29 matches but, despite their strong position, the head coach insisted his players must not get carried away.

The vibes are set for the weekendpic.twitter.com/nFIQsXphDF

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 12, 2025

“Overall, I am delighted with the group,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire. “We set about it first half, and had an incredible first half. Every phase of our game, from the attacking front, looked a real threat.

“Defensively, in terms of our positioning, meant we really suffocated Norwich. In the second half, we dropped our energy, mostly due to the business of the schedule.

“Once a goal goes in, it becomes a nervy time. But we are disappointed about the goal. We’ve been superb defensively, but I thought our reaction, and the stadium’s reaction, was really positive.

“This is about staying very level, very focused, not getting involved in the emotions of this time of year. My message is to stay calm, there are four games left, let’s keep chalking them off.”