Gabriel, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale played instrumental roles as Arsenal dug deep to secure another narrow win.
Arsenal further eased pressure on Mikel Arteta after securing a 1-0 victory at Turf Morr. Martin Odegaard sensational’s freekick in the first half separated the sides, but Burnley put up a physical challenge, which the Gunners dealt with expertly.
The Gunners started the game on the front foot, as Arteta named an attacking lineup. They started with some positive moves in the final third, but for most parts of the game, Arsenal were lacking in the area. They were creating chances at decent intervals, but nothing that threatened Nick Pope’s goal.
Bukayo Saka found space to carry out a run, only to be fouled outside the box. Martin Odegaard breached the Burnley wall to put the resulting freekick past Pope and give Arsenal the lead. The away side kept hold of the narrow advantage and saw the game through.
Burnley were awarded a penalty in the second half, but VAR overturned the initial referee ruling to provide a reprise for travelling fans. Apart from that moment, Arsenal showed real steel at the back, dealing properly with the aerial threat posed by the Clarets. In the end, the Gunners secured their three points the hard way, which sends them up to 12th on the Premier League table.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 1-0 win over Burnley.
Aaron Ramsdale – 8/10
Superb display in his second league start. He dealt with Burlney’s ariel balls properly while commanding his area with absolute authority. It’s been a while since Arsenal fans saw such a presence in the box, but Ramsdale is proving every bit worthy of the £24 million paid. Barring one error in the first half and nearly conceding a penalty, he had a flawless performance, while the save to deny Cornet proved key to keeping a clean sheet.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7.5/10
What a good signing he’s turning out to be. He won 100% of his aerial and ground duels and made one tackle and interception each to cap off a tremendous defensive performance. Tomiyasu was a solid presence that prevented many threatening moves from his side, while his switch balls to Tierney were great.
Ben White – 6/10
A few nervy moments aside, White was actually good. There were times when his focus wavered quite a bit, but his support to Gabriel and Tomiyasu was immense and underrated. His sloppy pass did see Burnley awarded a penalty momentarily before being overturned and he should be thanking Ramsdale.
Gabriel – 8/10
Colossal presence in the backline for Arsenal, Gabriel threw in an inspirational performance to protect from everything Burnley had to throw. He made important blocks and interceptions in what looked like an assured performance. He’s surely fully fit again and will prove an important part of Arsenal’s season.
Gabriel Magalhães for Arsenal against Burnley:
• Most clearances (8)
• Most tackles (3)
• Most blocks (2)Brick wall at the back ??⚪#AFC pic.twitter.com/8ES2FO3GY1
— Luca Bates (@LucaBates_) September 18, 2021
Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
Not one of his spectacular performances, but Tierney was left to do much of the dirty job on his side. Did well on his defensive duties while getting in attack at times. He hobbled off, holding his thigh, which would worry Mikel Arteta.
Emile Smith Rowe – 5.5/10
Smith-Rowe is getting to know this new role well, but it surely will take time to find comfort. He got into important positions with his intelligent play, but his final ball was disappointing. He had a chance in the second half to score, but his effort was too tame to trouble Pope.
Thomas Partey – 7.5/10
The midfield general, orchestrator, Thomas Partey, was an immense presence in central midfield. His influence in the game grew despite many of his passing lines being cut off by Burnley defence. Some of his passes were brilliant, as he asserted total control as one man midfield giant.
Martin Odegaard – 8/10
One brilliant goal can change people’s opinions, as Martin Odegaard proved his worth with a well-taken freekick to give Arsenal the lead and all three points. He grew in the game, made some excellent passes and was the creative hub of the team. There’s surely more to come from the Norwegian as the season progresses.
A picture-perfect free-kick from Martin Odegaard ? pic.twitter.com/GZlggUtDDX
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 18, 2021
Nicolas Pepe – 5/10
Pepe was trying to find his feet throughout the game and had difficulty trying to make a mark. His positioning near the byline always renders him ineffective, which was the case during the game for most parts. Could have created a goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang as he broke through, but his final ball was utterly disappointing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5/10
Like Pepe, Aubameyang was troubled during the game. His first touch was missing but made up for it entirely with his hard work. He had a chance or two, but nothing worthwhile.
Bukayo Saka – 5/10
Saka is still getting to grips this season and made slow progress with yet another match under his belt. He was anonymous for most parts, but his timely running into space won the freekick, which Odegaard eventually scored.
Substitutes
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6/10
He came on to replace Smith Rowe and instantly added some much-needed security in central areas. There’s a swag about the way he moves with the ball, and with every passing minute, is proving to be a great signing.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7.5/10
I’ve not been convinced about him as a midfielder but credit where it’s due, Maitland-Niles came on and made a huge difference. He played a huge part in getting us over the line, well played ??
— Harry Symeou (@HarrySymeou) September 18, 2021
Maitland-Niles is proving every bit the midfielder he aspires to be. He came on for Partey and added a sense of security and assurance in midfield that was the need of the hour. He stuck into challenges and came out on top despite the physical superiority of Burnley players. Brilliant substitution by Arteta.
Nuno Tavares – 5/10
Tavares came on for the injured looking Tierney and made some flashy plays. He ran with the ball and could have found a teammate but decided to shoot over instead.
