“97 touches, 77 passes, 3 big chances created, 4 tackles and 6 duels won, he was everywhere against Burnley and the best player on the pitch and is getting back to his best”- Arsenal Legend Ian Wright praises Arsenal’s ‘engine room’ player who was simply amazing and deserves Man of the Match award – Not Declan Rice, not Havertz and not Saliba
In the ongoing struggle for survival, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley faced a daunting challenge as they hosted Arsenal at Turf Moor. Historically, this fixture has proven challenging for the Clarets, who have struggled against the Gunners, securing only one win in 17 Premier League encounters. Conversely, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal arrived in Lancashire brimming with confidence, having scored 16 goals and conceded just two in the year 2024 thus far.
The lineups set the stage for what promised to be a fierce contest:
**Burnley XI:** Trafford; Assignon, O’Shea, Estève, Delcroix; Ramsey, Berge, Brownhill, Odobert; Fofana, Amdouni
**Arsenal XI:** Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Right from the start, both teams sought to establish dominance, but it was Arsenal who drew first blood with a clinical counter-attack within the opening minutes. Gabriel Martinelli’s precise pass found Martin Ødegaard unmarked on the edge of Burnley’s box, and the Gunners’ captain wasted no time in putting the ball past the goalkeeper to give Arsenal an early advantage.
Struggling to recover, Burnley found themselves under pressure as Arsenal’s robust defense thwarted any attempts at a swift response. Despite the Clarets’ efforts, Arsenal maintained possession and continued pressing forward in search of a second goal.
As the first half progressed, Arsenal had a prime opportunity to double their lead when Bukayo Saka’s cross found Leandro Trossard in the box, but the Belgian forward failed to capitalize, halting the promising attack.
Just before halftime, Burnley’s troubles deepened as Assignon’s foul on Trossard in the penalty area awarded Arsenal a penalty, which Bukayo Saka confidently converted to ensure Arteta’s side went into halftime with a well-deserved lead.
Despite the setback, Burnley remained determined to stage a comeback in the second half. However, their hopes were dashed as Arsenal wasted no time in further extending their lead. Saka, showcasing clinical finishing once again, scored his second goal of the match early in the second half, leaving Burnley facing an uphill battle.
The match took a grim turn as Aaron Ramsey was forced off the pitch following a collision with Ødegaard, receiving medical attention as he was stretchered away. Despite the setback, Arsenal continued to dominate, with Trossard and Havertz compounding Burnley’s misery with two more goals.
The final whistle sounded, confirming Burnley’s fate with a resounding defeat. The loss leaves Kompany’s side trailing seven points behind safety, with the daunting task of clawing their way out of relegation territory. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s convincing victory bolsters their goal difference and positions them just two points behind league leaders Liverpool.
In summary, Arsenal’s commanding display underscores their credentials as title contenders, while Burnley’s struggles highlight the obstacles they face in their battle for Premier League survival.
