Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was impressed with his side’s first half display in their 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday, referring to it as ‘one of the best they’ve played’.
The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions and a ninth consecutive win with another assured performance at Turf Moor on Saturday evening.
They started the game brightly and opened scoring in the 14th minute through their most common route – the set-piece.
Declan Rice whipped in a wicked delivery which was cushioned into the path of Victor Gyokeres, who headed home from close range to score his fourth league goal of the season and his side’s 12th from set-pieces this season.
The summer arrival played a part in Arsenal’s second, providing a brilliant defense-splitting pass to Leandro Trossard, who crossed for Rice to head home in the 35th minute.
“We started the game exceptionally well. I think the first half is one of the best that we’ve played, scored two goals, generated another two or three big chances and conceded nothing”, Arteta said after the match.
“And that was a platform, because in the second half we dropped the standards, especially with the ball, and with our intentions to play more forward. But again, defensively, we were exceptional.”
Sweden forward Gyokeres enjoyed his best performance since his arrival in the summer, but was taken off at halftime in the only negative of the day for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The former Sporting Lisbon striker was taken off due to a muscle strain and is now doubtful for their UCL clash on Tuesday against Slavia Prague.
“I think it was one of the best games that he’s played [for us]”, the Spaniard hailed Gyokeres’ impact.
“Overall, his performance was exceptional, apart from the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle, muscular.
“His high press, his positioning and his touches, his threading in behind, the way he linked play, the way he gets us from this situation to transition”, Arteta added.
“He was in a really good moment. It’s a shame that he felt something.”
Arsenal increased their gap at the top of the standings to seven points after 10 matches, while Burnley are now 17th after their latest defeat.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
