Arsenal 3-0 Burnley: Analysis From Back-To-Front

Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Here, Gunner333 analyses the performance from front to back.

Arsenal were looking to make it three consecutive wins in all competitions when they welcomed bottom of the table Burnley to the Emirates on Saturday.

Despite mustering up a mammoth 73% possession, the Gunners had to wait until the 70th minute to make the break-through. Alexis Sanchez having his electrifying performance credited with a typical English-style goal, rising like a salmon to dispatch Calum Chambers’ cross with his head.

Arsenal’s confidence grew and soon it was 2-0 as Chambers poked home from close range following a corner after Danny Welbeck’s shot was blocked on the line.

Wenger’s side were not done and looked desperate to find a third, Lukas Podolski first keen to break the paw of Heaton with a volley unravelled from point blank range before the German rifled another one moments later from Walcott’s cross, only to connect with the woodwork.

After Ramsey tested the busy Burnley keeper yet again, Sanchez gathered a low-cross at speed only to weave through the Clarets’ defence and slot home a third. Seven of Arsenal’s last nine goals now courtesy of the Chilean.

I shall now analyse the showing of Wenger’s side from defence to attack:

At The Back: 8/10

A tough area to dissect in all honesty, given the fact they were rarely tested. Burnley had too little possession to create any danger going forward and when they seldom did, Arsenal had the armoury to deal with such bursts.

The two centre-backs were comfortable in dealing with any aerial threats, Mertesacker reclaiming the know-how to keep composed and not commit too early, whilst Monreal was also comfortable at the back.

Without doubt the real quality from defence came from the full-backs. Chambers imposing an excellent attacking threat with a goal and assist, whilst Gibbs passed a late fitness test to also put in a fine shift and pick up an assist for the third.

In The Middle: 7/10

Although a midfield should be judged on the chances it creates, this rating is based on the combined input of all the middle-men and some did not pull their weight. With Ramsey benched, Wenger went with two greatly mundane choices in Arteta and Flamini to anchor down the midfield. Flamini however seemed rather redundant, not needed to break up many attacks and offering very little in the final third.

Cazorla looked incredibly lethargic yet again and his finishing continues to be a cause for concern as he wasted several golden opportunities to get on the score-sheet.

My criticisms may seem rather harsh given the fact Arsenal ran Burnley ragged, but other than the Ox, I saw very little of the former exciting, dynamic midfield previously dubbed the Premier League’s best. It may have been good enough to beat Burnley, but generally this is not goof enough for an Arsenal midfield.

Up-Top: 9/10

This was a tale of two contrasting performances up top yet again. Firstly, Welbeck was flat and wasted two great chances to get a goal. He did show good footwork to beat two defenders in the first half but failed to find the finish, and then again in the final minute he showed probably have buried his chance before Chambers poked home the rebound.

The good news, however, is Arsenal have a red-hot Chilean eager to impress. The hardest worker from minute one, Alexis exhibited lightning footwork and strength on the ball, as well as a wonderful intelligence to sniff blood and pick the Burnley carcass clean. He dictated the game and his brace was well deserved.

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