Nick Pope says Burnley will have no problem taking on the role of party-poopers when they travel to take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
The match will be long-serving manager Arsene Wenger’s final home game in charge as he prepares to end his 22-year association with the north London giants – but goalkeeper Pope says the Clarets will not be affected by the occasion.
Victory at the Emirates Stadium will mean Sean Dyche’s surprise package will go level on points with the Gunners and World Cup hopeful Pope says it is imperative Burnley do not get sucked into what is likely to be an emotionally-charged atmosphere.
“It’s a great stadium and it’s obviously Wenger’s last home game,” he told reporters.
“There’s already a lot of noise around the game but we’ve got to go there and do a job. They’re only one position above us so hopefully we can close that gap.
“We’re not just going to turn up to make up the numbers, we’ve got to put our foot down and put our own stamp on the game.”
Wenger’s hopes of ending his Arsenal career with a major trophy were crushed on Thursday when they were knocked out of the Europa League semi-finals by Atletico Madrid, but Pope says the Frenchman deserves his place in Premier League history.
“He’s a great ambassador for the game and for the Premier League. I’m sure it will be an emotional occasion on their end,” he said.
“He has been a huge part [of the Premier League] and rightly so. Hopefully he’ll get a good send off.”
Arsenal are currently priced 1.57 in the match betting and the draw outcome is available to back at 4.20, while Burnley are quoted 5.50 to win in 90 minutes.
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