Declan Rice was the best player of the match with a score of 8.3, but seen with Norwegian eyes and sure Arsenal fans wherever they are, it was good to see Martin Ødegaard play the whole game even if it is a long way up to top form (Score 6.9)
Arsenal had to be patient to break the boil and they could have won a little easier.
Kai Havertz brought Arsenal closer to the Premier League title when he provided the first goal in the meeting with relegation-threatened Burnley eight minutes before half-time at the Emirates Stadium.
A little reminder that if Manchester City don’t win away at the Vitality Stadium against in-form Bournemouth on Tuesday night, then Arsenal will be champions. – The fact that it could be the penultimate game with Pep Guardiola for the sky blues can give his side a little extra fire, (or the opposite) Premier League table!
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Mikel Arteta’s men had been frustrated for much of the first half against a surprisingly steadfast Burnley side. Leandro Trossard hit the post, and Bukayo Saka had a penalty claim dismissed by VAR after he went to the ground when he tried to score on a cross from the left.
But the rebellion from Saka and the home fans soon turned to cheers, as the winger’s set-piece led to the opening goal.
Martin Ødegaard had a fierce shot blocked out to the corner, and that gave Havertz the opportunity to rise highest and nod in Saka’s cross from close range.
Saka came close to making it 2-0 with a beautifully curled shot that deflected wide, but Arsenal finished the first half 45 minutes away from taking a five-point lead at the top of the table.
It’s been a long time since Arsenal have won the Premier League, a little unsure of the details, but I think it was before color tv, before chewing gum and the invention of foot shape shoes.
If they manage to do so, a loss by Manchester City away to Bournemouth on Tuesday would mean that Arsenal will be crowned Premier League champions for the first time since the 2003-04 season of the Invincibles.
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Some comments:
Gary Neville, former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports “Arsenal made the evening a lot harder than necessary. They have not played fast enough or with enough haste. They’ve been comfortable.”
Rob Green, former Premier League goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates Stadium
“Defensively solid, another step closer. They played well in the first half and finished the job in the second, but not in the way they would have liked.
There was quite a subdued celebration at the end compared to the party atmosphere before. Burnley didn’t have the quality in and around the goal. It was tight and titillating, but Arsenal are one step closer.”
