Source: Team_Talk
Jensen: Instict key for penalty save
The Clarets were clinging to a single-goal advantage against Manchester United when scorer Robbie Blake carved down Patrice Evra inside the box.
Jensen knew the pressure was on because a goal at that time would have provided United with the perfect platform to launch one of their famous second-half comebacks.
Normally the Dane would have done a bit of homework beforehand to give himself the best possible chance of being successful in his one-on-one duel. On this occasion, it was impossible.
"I was completely in the dark," said the 35-year-old after the 1-0 victory.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has taken penalties for Manchester United so often that I didn't have a clue what Carrick was going to do.
"You can talk about mind games as much as you like but in the end it came down to pure instinct. There was no key to it, that's for sure."
In fact, Jensen was slightly surprised to be facing Carrick given Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen were on the pitch.
"Rooney and Owen both could have taken it I suppose," he said.
"Mind you, when I looked in the programme and saw Rooney was the star man, I thought it should be star men really.
"They are a quality side. One result does not change that."
Jensen has form for that kind of thing. The burly Scandinavian was the hero last season when Burnley emerged victorious in a Carling Cup shoot-out with Chelsea on their run to the semi-finals.
Not that Jensen wants to be reminded of it, or the famous day at Wembley last May when Burnley booked their top flight return after a 33 year absence by beating Sheffield United.
"People keep talking about Wembley but that is in the past," he said.
"We have to make history in the Premier League. Let's try and do that. This is a good start so we must look forward."
United returned home disappointed not to have given Jensen more work to do.
The Dane made a couple of decent stops, in addition to the penalty, and some well-timed advances of his line as the visitors tried to force their way through some obdurate defending.
But Jensen felt a collective effort was required to keep the champions at bay.
"Was I surprised they tried to put us under pressure? Not at all. They are the best team in the world. I expected it," he said.
"But what we tried to do was squeeze them down the middle which meant they had to go wide to shoot.
"That gave me more chance to make the saves, so I have to praise the whole back four for standing up to the best team in the world."
Jensen acknowledges Burnley cannot afford to start thinking the hard work is done.
Although Burnley boss Owen Coyle felt his team performed well at Stoke in their opening game, they did lose, which is a perfect reminder of what will happen if his side fall below the standards they set last night.
Europa League hopefuls Everton are the next visitors on Sunday, with Jensen calling for a repeat performance - on and off the pitch.
"The fans are our 12th man - and 13th - and 14th," he smiled.
"They are absolutely vital for us.
"I have been here for seven years and have never seen anything like last night.
"We need that in every game, regardless of how we are doing.
"Of course when we play well it makes it easier but there will come a time when we are in trouble. That is when we need them the most."
Everton 5/4, Burnley 9/4, Draw 9/4
