Egan-Riley Confirms Unintentional Nature of His First Burnley Goal

Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley has stated that his fortunate goal, which secured the Clarets’ 2-0 victory over Coventry City on Tuesday, was not deliberate. This marked Egan-Riley’s inaugural goal in senior football. The strike, described as a dinked left-footed shot that traversed the goalmouth and found the far post, cemented three points for Scott Parker’s team, elevating them to second place in the Championship standings. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, he commented, “I’d love to say I meant it but I didn’t. I tried to stand it up to the back post and put it in a good area and it’s ended up in the back of the net.” He added, “It’s good to extend the lead, especially then as you never know what could happen at 1-0 into the last 10 minutes.” Egan-Riley further remarked, “We needed to keep the back door shut which we did, which is a positive.” This season, Burnley has allowed only six goals in 17 Championship matches, an achievement manager Scott Parker attributes to the team’s core values. Nevertheless, Parker expressed satisfaction with the 21-year-old’s development. This goal against the Sky Blues marked Egan-Riley’s inaugural senior career goal, following 54 appearances for the Clarets, Manchester City, and during loan spells at Hibernian and Jong PSV. Parker subsequently stated, “I agree that it was definitely a cross but it goes in and it’s perfect.” He continued, “I’m really pleased for him. He’s been incredible since he came in. The boy needed an opportunity.” Parker concluded by saying, “All I’ve done is give it to him. It’s down to the player to go and grab it. He’s done that with both hands and been incredible.”