Burnley vs Arsenal
0-0
It was a tough, physical battle at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon in the bitter Northern wind. Arsenal needed to take all three points if they were to make a late push for Champions League football, however with this latest setback that looks to be over.
The Gunners started well, moving the ball quickly and exploiting the wide areas, with Saka getting forward and whipping in a couple of good crosses. Out of form striker Lacazette missed a golden opportunity in the 2nd minute, when Aubameyang ran down the line and found the Frenchman, for him to head wide. The momentum was heading all towards the away side, as Burnley were unable to cope with Arsenal coming forward, Aubameyang had two good chances one he dragged wide and the other was straight at the out rushing Pope. After this, Saka’s injury in the opening couple of minutes caught up with him, meaning he was unable to provide the attacking outlet down the left hand side which really affected the visitors game plan. As a result, Burnley started to come back into the game, being very direct when in possession and getting the ball into the box at every opportunity. The home side had a couple of half chances in the closing stages of the first 45 minutes, but nothing to write home about, seeing it be 0-0 going into the break.
Arsenal started in the same vein in the second half, slow lethargic passing, all coming from a complete lack of movement in the midfield and attack meant the away side were playing into the hands of Burnley. The tempo of the game was exactly how the Clarets wanted it, which allowed them to get the ball wide through long balls and then put dangerous crosses into the box. McNeil put in an excellent cross which saw Hendrick head wide when he perhaps should have scored. After this, chances were few and far between for both sides until Arsenal came forward with a swift attack with Lacazette on the left wing, cutting in on his right, putting a good ball into Aubameyang who narrowly missed the target with his head. Then in the 78th minute, the best chance of the game fell to Rodriguez, who fired it high into the underside of the crossbar and out from 6 yards. It was a sitter and by far Burnley’s best opportunity to beat the Gunners since 2010. In the end the points were all shared ending 0-0.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno
Kept a clean sheet and looked relatively comfortable throughout. Made a good save from Rodriguez in the first half. 7/10
Hector Bellerin
Looked sharper with the ball today than in recent times. Another 90 minutes towards full fitness, in which he defended well. 6.5/10
Shkodran Mustafi
Was our best defender today, won most battles in the air, made some very good interceptions and blocks. My MOTM 7.5/10
David Luiz
Had a quiet game, weren’t as influential as he has been under Arteta. Played a few decent passes as usual. Solid at the back. 6.5/10
Bukayo Saka
Started the game very brightly, causing Burnley problems down the left. Shame about his injury, but it doesn’t look too serious so he should be back after the winter break. 7/10
Matteo Guendouzi
Surprised to see him start this one, even though he was good on Monday night. Tried to make things happen but a severe lack of movement in front of him didn’t help. 6/10
Granit Xhaka
Showed his versatility playing in centre midfield and left back, did well in both positions. Quite a scrappy game which didn’t allow him to showcase his passing ability, but got stuck in when he needed to. 7/10
Mesut Ozil
I’m not sure why Özil keeps pulling out to the right hand side when we have the ball, is Arteta asking him to do so or is he doing it off his own back? He is much more effective playing centrally and I feel this is killing our attacks because Lacazette has to fill into the 10. Anyway, it was another poor game from the German who looks to be past his best days, with his inconsistency coming to the front even more regularly. His spot in the starting 11 should under threat. 5/10
Aubameyang
Missed a couple of good chances that I would have backed him to score before his suspension. Maybe his lack of match sharpness played a part. Put a good cross in for Lacazette in the opening minutes which should have seen him get an assist. 6.5/10
Gabriel Martinelli
Weren’t his kind of game today, as there were so many aerial battles and was scrappy throughout. Worked hard, but didn’t have a great impact on the game as he has done in recent weeks. 6/10
Alexandre Lacazette
Severely lacking in confidence which was summed up by his missed chance early on. Only so long Arteta can keep faith in a player before it becomes detrimental to overall results. Perhaps need some time out of the team to get his head together. 5/10
Subs
Lucas Torreira
Weren’t as effective at screening the back four like in previous games, however most of Burnley’s attacks were from the wings, therefore he didn’t have as much to cut out. Decent performance. 6.5/10
Joe Willock
Didn’t get into the game as much as he would have liked. A couple of times I thought he played the wrong pass or it was too late, however offered more defensively than other players in that position. 6/10
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 