Arsenal defeated lowly Burnley 5-0 thanks to a bravura performance from Bukayo Saka, and the Gunners once more reduced the gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points.
From the beginning to the end, the Gunners had complete control. Martin Odegaard gave them a lead in the fourth minute, and Saka added another goal from the penalty spot after Maxime Esteve fouled Leandro Trossard.
Saka scored his seventh goal in his previous six Premier League appearances just after the break, and Trossard added a fourth shortly after the hour.
With a single run and finish, Kai Havertz even had a chance to contribute to Arsenal’s 21 goals in five Premier League games since the winter break.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, stated that his players desired even more from the productive afternoon despite their current dominance.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Today was a really tricky game – a difficult place to come and win. Burnley have been really good, competitive and consistent against the top sides and I expected a very different afternoon.
“It’s true with the early goals we scored, we made it easier and the game flowed better for us. But I still think they’re a really good side.
“Individually we are in a really good moment and Bukayo is in a good moment. We need to maintain that. We have that momentum and it’s a case of still doing it. There are still things we can do better so we keep going.
“The only bad side to the game was Aaron Ramsey who I think had a really bad injury so I would like to wish him the best and hopefully it’s not a bad one.
“We have to believe we can win every game. We are approaching every game in that way. When the team has that belief and confidence, something good can happen.
“But we know the standards and what it will require, we have to keep elevating those standards. I believe we can do that as I see them in training every single day. Let’s go for it.”
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany said: “Not good enough. I think in moments like this, you take it on the chin. They were better than us but we didn’t perform to our best possible level.
“For many games now, the last 14 of 15 of them, we didn’t question the performance. But today was a bad performance which can happen sometimes.
“We can’t let it affect the next games. This week will be one where we focus on the next game and make sure we stick together and show what we want to be about.
“My goal is to always be there with the players. In tough times, even more. We felt we were building to something positive and felt we could turn a corner. In a day like today, you probably find other people around you will doubt about this, but it’s important to stay our course and be ready for the next game.
“The belief is there of course. But our priority now is: we can’t dwell on this game. We played against a very good side, we have to move on and all eyes on Palace now.”
On understanding fans leaving early: “Of course. It’s 5-0 for the opposition. I haven’t been at any club in the past where the fans are standing and clapping for you at the end of a game like this.
“It’s tough, it’s part of the difficult moments when you lose a game. But you can be top of the league and lose a game. It’s the same as everyone else.”
On Aaron Ramsey’s injury: “It didn’t look good. I don’t know the extent of the injury yet. I wish him well, hope he recovers and that it’s not as bad as we think.”
Burnley travel next to Crystal Palace on Saturday while Arsenal continue their Champions League run against Porto on Wednesday before hosting Newcastle on Saturday.
Other posts by Hiresh
