Pre-match we learned that Arteta, the wily old fox, had been leading everyone a merry dance regarding the fitness of Saliba, as he was picked to start alongside Gabriel at the back in very much a first choice back 5.
Raya
Timber Saliba Gabriel Calafiori
Eze Zubimendi Rice
Saka Gyökeres Trossard
The bench betrayed the fact that we have so many players missing up top, with only Merino along with the 15-year-old Dowman and 18-year-old Nwaneri being forward players. And Merino is more a Swiss Army knife than an out and out forward. Ned in his preview had the Burnley team spot on, apart from Ekdal being replaced by Anthony in the starting line-up. They have the battering ram that is Ashley Barnes, along with Broja and Bruun Larsen as strikers available from the bench along with Marcus Edwards, with more than a whiff of pondweed about him, starting his career as he did at the Marshdwellers before finding fame and fortune at Sporting Lisbon. A stark contrast in forward numbers from the bench.
Burnley lined up with a back 5 and just Flemming as a striker, making the likelihood of the usual low block look rather high. The referee was Kavanagh, with Taylor on VAR. Least said…
As Ned pointed out in his preview, Burnley have less trouble scoring than defending, conceding nigh on 2 goals per league match and so it was to prove.
Arsenal started in a measured way, which was all they needed to do given that Burnley were not pressing high and were happy to defend from the half way line. Calafiori was making sure that the numbers up front were somewhat evened up by getting forward ahead of Trossard as often as possible. The possession-based pressure was beginning to tell towards the end of the first 10 minutes and led to the first corner of the game on 12 minutes. Like clockwork, a ball banged to the far post by Rice was, perhaps fortuitously, perhaps not, knocked back by Gabriel for Gyokeres to head in from 2 yards.
Burnley 0 – Arsenal 1
The already loud away support, despite the handicap of not being accompanied by C100 and son, now boomed out the Gyökeres song heartily. Pressure was continuing to be piled on and a shot from 12 yards by Calafiori was partially blocked with the resulting looping ball palmed over for a corner. From this the ball was put right underneath the crossbar by Rice, but a free kick was called. A minute later Saka broke through one vs one with the keeper but could only hit it straight at him.
Now Burnley had to come forward and leave space, and Cullen was booked on 26 for taking Eze down as he broke through the midfield line and threatened. Kavanagh correctly gave him a yellow. Burnley were getting fractious now, not least, and least surprisingly, Walker who was being tested by Trossard and Calafiori and regularly coming up short. On 31 minutes, Trossard had a shot from inside the box cleared off the line after magnificent work from Rice to win the ball back. Eze and Gyokeres had progressed it quickly, initially leading to a Saka shot.
From a brief period of Burnley attack, Arsenal scored on 35 minutes. Burnley had 2 long throws into our box, both on our right-hand side and both taken by Walker, both monstered out by Gabriel, who couldn’t have jumped higher had he been propelled by a trampoline. The second one led to a fast break, with Walker out of position looking to recover from being on the wrong side for the throw in. Trossard crossed and Rice headed home from 6 yards.
Burnley 0 – Arsenal 2
We were now all over them and on 37 another fast break led to an Eze shot being deflected out for a right sided corner. From which we should have scored again, after a short corner ploy which should have been finished off by Trossard.
A blistering first half from Arsenal, a taste if what we hope to see in the second half of the season once Arsenal really get going.
Half Time Burnley 0 Arsenal 2
Arsenal came out for the second half, somewhat surprisingly, with Gyökeres taken off and Merino in his place. To my mind, that was the best game Gyökeres has played for us by far. On 49 minutes, a good period of possession was punctuated by Timber not quite being able to get onto a ball chipped into him in the Burnley box in another very well-worked move. On 54 minutes, Flemming was booked for an, ahem, over enthusiastic challenge on Gabriel, as Burnley collectively showed their frustration at not being able to get on the ball for any period of time. On 57 minutes, Walker stretched out his arm, reaching for Calafiori and elbowed the HIB in the face. Predictably the locals were up in arms but fortunately, Kavanagh was having an excellent game and ensured the correct decision was made.
On 61 minutes, Burnley took off Ugochukwu and Anthony – who apparently spent 10 years at the Arsenal academy – for Bruun Larsen and Tchaouna. It was beginning to look to me that we might need to bring on a sub or 2 to freshen things up. Saka in particular was very quiet and really didn’t look right. Burnley were coming into the game and it was the right time for Arteta to make changes when, in the 72nd minute he took off Calafiori, who had been excellent, and Eze, for Hincapie and Nwaneri. A minute later Burnley had their best opportunity when a ball pumped to the back post resulted in a header 2 feet over Raya’s crossbar.
On 76 minutes, Broja and Hannibal – minus his elephants – came on for Burnley in place of Flemming and Laurent. Burnley were now looking to add energy and this was countered by Arteta immediately bringing on Nørgaard for Zubimendi. Arsenal were looking to manage the game out, continuing to frustrate the re-energised Burnley side. Burnley brought on the aforementioned former Marshdweller Edwards. The away fans burst into a song suggesting that now the Burnley fans had seen Arsenal, they were free to go to their places of residence. The Marshdweller hit the post from an excellent freekick but that was the last kick of the game. The afternoon was completed with a stirring rendition of “Stadiums are empty, everywhere we go.” Harsh. But fair.
Final Score Burnley 0 Arsenal 2
In truth, Arsenal rather went through the motions in the second half, with the exception of Rice who could only be described as ubiquitous and was my man of the match, for what it’s worth. It was another win, comfortably delivered with excellent performances for the most part. As above, I thought Saka was off and it was disconcerting to see Gyökeres go off after 45 minutes. Hopefully, both are okay, at least for Sunderland away next weekend.
Thank you for that rapid and rapid-fire match report, CER. Very much the game, I suspect, that I would have seen had I not been suffering from an intermittent stream that was more inter than mittent. I agree with you about Rice as MoTM. He was winning the ball back all over the pitch, and his goal was an old-school header. I also agree that Saka was quiet. He seems half a yard off his usual pace. I wonder if whatever illness he has had recently is still proving debilitating.
Top report CER. I hate watching on streams but the one recommended to me was Scruzgooner was excellent. We were really good in the first half. When Victor was subbed we dropped in performance. Rice was immense. On to Prague on Tuesday, then Sunderland next weekend. We’ll be there for Sunderland.
This is an immense team and an immense season. Enjoy it game by game.
I’ve not seen anything of the match yet so I very much appreciate your swift report, CER, even more than I appreciate all reports on this fine site. Today I was being entertained at the Hawthorns to which I was treated by an old friend. The meal was excellent, the company delightful (I have yet to meet a Baggie I don’t like), the staff warmly welcoming and the football deeply disappointing. Barry Bannan bestrode the midfield like a colossus for Wednesday (quite an achievement for a 46 year old midget) and ran the match with the Baggies’ midfield utterly anonymous. The only forward on either side who displayed any talent was Mikey Johnstone, the Baggies’ left winger who had several impressive dribbles and cut inside to hit the target on three occasions. No-one else on either side caught the eye. It was another demonstration for me how privileged I am to be able to watch the Arsenal. The Baggies looked far poorer than they did last season and that may not be unrelated to their appointment in the summer of that Spud tactical genius, Ryan Mason!
I alwalys thought Barry Bannan was a really good player, but he just didn’t seem to have the application to make him an heir to the likes of Gemmill and Strachan.
Excellent, CER. I missed the game (visually) but did listen to the first half on A.com – Clarke is an entertaining commentator. It was evident (according to him) that the game was over at 2-0 so I ORFT at that stage (Any Big Brother Where Art Thou fans in our midst?).
Be he didn’t mention therospect of an appearance by Hannibal. And I have to wonder if the outcome would have been different HAD he brought his elephants? Or would Declan have shoulder charg d the whole herd into oblivion? Probably, but we’ll never know.
“Ned in his preview had the Burnley team spot on, apart from Ekdal being replaced by Anthony…….” Come on Med, perfection is expected and usually delivered. Off day? Raise your game 😊
Arseblog carries a very good tribute to Willie Young, marred only by calling Eddie Turnbull, Willie. Perhaps the author had Willies on his mind!
Excellent, CER. I didn’t see the game but I did listen to the first half on A.com. Clarkie was in great form, saw the game very much as you’ve described it, and judged it to be ‘over’ at 0-2. As a consequence, I went off and did other things and, by the sound of it didn’t miss too much in the second half.
But I was therefore unaware of the arrival of Hannibal. And I have to wonder whether if he HAD brought his elephants with him, if they would have changed the character, direction and outcome of the game? A Serengeti midfield, so to speak. Or perhaps something more in the style of the Dawn Patrol in the Jungle Book “Hup, two, three, four/Keep it up, two, three, four/Hup, two, three, four/Keep it up, two, three, four/Hup, two, three, four and then tusk it into our goal” as they swung their trunks in sync towards David Raya? Or would Declan have shoulder charged the entire herd into oblivion? Probably. But we’ll never know – however, it would most certainly have been a ‘first’ at Turf Moore. Their fans to ours with a chorus of “You’ve only come to see the Elephants!” Something to ponder and perhaps get onto the agenda next time we visit Burnley?
And this. “Ned in his preview had the Burnley team spot on, APART from Ekdal being replaced by Anthony in the starting line-up.” Come on, Ned. We’ve come to expect excellence, not a single t uncrossed nor an I undoubted and yet here we are with a rather imperfect prediction. I think we’ll have consider this a one-off and expect your game to be raised in all future contributions. (Maybe a quiet word with the monks? Pep talk, Olly them up a bit?)
Ah, happy hour was thoroughly enjoyable tonight. Her Nellieness sends her regards to Holics everywhere 🙂
COYG and NLFE
Thanks for an excellent summary CER.
I was celebrating my daughter’s birthday in deepest, darkest Kent but was confident of victory.
I have seen MOTD and while they consider the Liverpool game to take precedence it seemed to cover the best bits. Rice was excellent but Gyokeres and Zubimendi asked to be substituted. Was this to try the local black pudding or is the news more sinister. Gyokeres seems to be settling well. This was his first away goal ,
Crikey. I typed @5 in the bar at happy hour with a sherbet in each hand and Her Nellieness on my knee, pressed the tit and it disappeared into the deep blue, never, I thought, to be seen again. So I did a repeat and as soon as I posted it, the little bugger snuck up from the depths and deposited itself. Well, well, well. The mysteries of this digital age we live in. I must consult the grandkids for an explanation. Probably “Never do it on your phone”.
A fine report of a stroll on the moor CER, so much for Fortress Burnley,
let’s hope Fortress Stadium of Shite crumbles as easily.
I watched the first half, very impressive it was too. I must admit,
that like Ned’s stream my sleepy second half watching was intermittent
as we rolled through the minutes in some comfort.
The only worry would be Victor, but reinforcements will return after
the interlull so let’s hope we can soldier on through the next two games.
@3 I will have to introduce you to my baggie supporting brother in law
Bath if you’d like to meet an annoying one……..
On a day of upchucking and more time spent in the bathroom than out of it I was at least able to mostly hear the game and although it hasn’t cured me it did at least cheer me up.
Thanks CER for giving me some visuals to go with what I heard and on we go to the next one, another three points please.
I can’t remember the last time I wished
C130y well but hopefully they can take a
point off our main challengers Bournemouth
tonight
Just to dispel any mischievous misinformation, Anthony didn’t replace Ekdal in the Burnley starting line-up. Laurent kept his place in the back line as Ekdal wasn’t fit enough to go back into the team, as the preview said would be the case if Ekdal’s legs weren’t up to it. Anthony played on the left wing, as he has done in every game this season, as the preview noted. The monks can hold their heads up high — and will do at least until they get stuck into the mead…
Cheers CER!
Trips to Burnley, Bolton or Blackburn used be known on Arseblog as a trip to ‘cunt corridor’. Glad to do more than survive that one after several bitter personal experiences.
Cheers CER.
Very much enjoyed that first half, while the secomd was just about controlling the situatiion (we definitely lost something when Big Vik went off).
Ned@14 – apologies if I misrepresented you. I wasn’t trying to score points, honest!
Thanks CER for a very fair and enjoyable read.
The away support yesterday was brilliant and for the first time I can remember completely drowned out the Burnley crowd who usually turn this fixture into a horrible watch. A very professional performance and a comfortable 2-0 win that hooefully hasn’t cost us too much in terms of yet more injuries.
Gyokeres had by far his best game yet. His control and link play were clearly much improved and his running and tracking back are quite something. Let’s hope it hasn’t induced the strain that Arteta said he was feeling at half time.
CER@14: Graciously said. All good.
To Trev’s point @18, the away support came through load and clear yesterday, making a mockery of Parker’s call to make the atmosphere hostile.
In other news, winless Wolves have sacked Pereira. With Nuno, Potter and Ange, that makes four managers getting the tin tack so far this season. One has to have some sympathy for Pereira, whose reward for saving Wolves from relegation last season was to have his two best players, Cunha and Ait-Nouri, sold and a bunch of others, including his captain, Semedo, allowed to leave on frees. A good reminder to our own boo-boys what a poorly run club really looks like.
I had him to be first one sacked in the Predictathon but bloody Postecoglou beat him to it.
Seemed very likely because Wolves lost some main players in the summer and didn’t replace them – after nearly going down last time.
Trev@20: You were wrong for all the right reasons…
The death of Willie Young was a sad blow for many Gooners who will remember him joining from the old enemy and forming a very effective partnership at centre back with David O’Leary. For younger supporters cast out of your mind a Saliba/ Gabriel arrangement . O’Leary was a thoroughbred, very quick centre back. Willie was superb in the air but not the quickest on the ground but I like to remember a game he played for us in something like February 1979 . The opposition was QPR at Loftus Road, a very formidable side . It had rained torrentially all day and going to the match in the tube I travelled with Clive Thomas, the referee who was only spectating that night. He speculated it might be postponed .
The pitch at Loftus Road was utterly waterlogged with water on top of mud. This prompted them to move shortly afterwards to an artificial surface . We were close to the top of the table but the game was farcical with Parkes, the QPR keeper punting it forward for Givens, Bowles and Masson . Our defence came under huge pressure in increasingly atrocious conditions but Willie Young loved it. I think he won every duel he faced, in the air or on the ground, sliding in to dispossess forwards, heading everything that was knocked forward and keeping QPR at bay.
We won 2-1 Brady and Price seeing shots slither over the line before Bowles laid on a late goal for them but I’ve never seen a more wholehearted performance than the one Willie gave that night. He wasn’t a great footballer but he had the heart of a lion and he served us nobly . RIP Willie.
@22 Thanks for sharing, TTG, a nice memory of a good soldier,
@15 hahaha, that an excellent name for the Three Bs.
TTG@22: Lovely memory. Big Willie was the epitome of the late ’70’s big no 5, and rightly a cult hero. His trip of Paul Allen in the 1980 Cup Final was legendary in itself.
In other centre-half news, I see that Auston Trusty, formerly, if briefly, of this parish, is now partnering KT3 on the left side of the Celtic team that Martin O’Neill seems to be revitalising.
https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F1006e8d7-1761-46e3-a402-908e4b3b39ae.jpg?crop=1600%2C900%2C0%2C0&format=webp&quality=9&resize=1200
Shared with you by a Times subscriber.
Enjoy this article for free.
Hopefully you’ve got this article about Declan this time !
Why Declan Rice is most important player in English football right now
https://www.thetimes.com/article/cbec1204-9a7c-46f9-b052-2c497012a4b5?shareToken=5b8e197531af0ef1cb6c460c26fdfa2a
Comprehensive report CER, thank you!
Burnley surprised me by trying to play football. I think since Kompany completely reshaped their footballing identity, they haven’t been as dislikable as before. Not that thuggery masquerading as mere muscularity would be a problem these days. This team can handle and summarily dispatch any team trying to kick their way into a result.
In that context, I think Hincapié is going to be a hit. He has that “didn’t I tell you not to mess with us?” look which complements very nicely Wilo’s “who are you?” elegant arrogance and Gabriel’s “it’s me who scores goals, not you” challenge.
If Viktor’s performance hadn’t convinced some of the Arsenal fans before this match, after that 45 minutes — including the cross-field pass to Trossard leading to the counter-attacking goal, demonstrating the more expansive side of his skillset — hopefully not many doubters are left. Without denying Dubravka the due credits for the saves, I must say it was uncharacteristic of Saka to not score either of his chances set up by Gyökeres. Evidently our matchday captain hasn’t fully recovered yet from his illness.
I read that people are praising Rice’s performance by saying he was everywhere. I think while Declan deserves all the accolades for his tirelessness, he deserves equal if not more credit for his intelligence: he was everywhere when needed, and played exactly the action that was needed. Zubimendi and Rice have built a kind of understanding between themselves that typically takes months, or even a season, for two midfielders playing together for the first time. As the cliche goes, there really is no substitute for intelligence.
>>>>>>>