Arsenal closed out their Premier League season with a convincing 3-1 away win against Burnley with Aubameyang and Nketiah on the scoresheet.
Arsenal overcame a usually stubborn Burnley at Turf Moor to end their winless run of four games in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory. What’s more, the Gunners finished their season with an away win, something they have been unable to do in their last two such games. A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double and a late Eddie Nketiah strike sealed the deal in what was an incredible final day in England.
Arsenal were winless in four Premier League games, losing three of those, which led to them bowing out of the top-four race, of which they were in control before that. However, Unai Emery will be pleased his side finished the season one point behind arch-rivals Tottenham and well ahead of Manchester United who finished sixth.
Aubameyang opened the scoring against Burnley capitalizing on a defensive error. The Gabonese striker doubled his own and his team’s advantage in the second half to go level in the race for the Golden Boot. After Arsenal’s second goal, Burnley got one back through Ashley Barnes, but Arsenal saw out the rest of the game until Nketiah scored his first-ever Premier League strike and Arsenal’s third to see off the game.
How did Arsenal’s players rate during this win over Burnley?
Bernd Leno – 7/10
Quite the happening day for Leno especially his active battle with Barnes. Made some excellent saves and commanded his area well. He could have done more to come out of his area in this game, but no complaints there. Made a crucial save in the build-up to Burnley’s goal but he would not dwell too much on it.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6/10
A decent outing for the veteran Swiss defender, who might have played his last game for the club. He did not offer much going forward but stood up to the defensive task.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7/10
Had a good day at the back with Mustafi contesting a good battle with a physical Burnley attack. Watched on as the opposition scored, but overall he was better than his recent showings.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 5/10
Not a good game for the young Greek defender. Went off injured around the 30th-minute mark, but that sums his season up. Before that, he was somewhat in the mix with Burnley’s physicality, but his positioning was very much weak. It was his mistake to cover up some ground that led to a shot from Chris Wood that struck the post.
Nacho Monreal – 6/10
A similar situation to Lichtsteiner although he did offer a little more going forward. His overlapping runs did not produce any good moments, but his movements allowed Iwobi to cut inside for attacking enhancements.
Mohamed Elneny – 5/10
Elneny too might have played his last game for the club as his performance showed no signs of improvements from previous games this season. His positioning is questionable at best, but when the team does not have the ball, he switches on defensively which leads to a lack of midfielders to push the ball forwards.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7.5/10
A fantastic performance from the youngster. Guendouzi has never dictated play as he did in the second half, after a somewhat tricky first period where Burnley looked to expose his lack of defending. His passing range was excellent. It was undoubtedly a positive performance after some disappointing displays of late.
Joe Willock – 7/10
A surprise starter, but a really encouraging performance from Willock. Used the experience of Elneny and Guendouzi to play somewhat forward, but he got the ball into attacking positions many times. Tried to score with a good showing in the first half, but couldn’t. He could be next season’s breakthrough star for Arsenal if the right doors open up for him.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5/10
Another mixed bag performance which could be deemed inconsistent at best. After a horrendous first period, Mkhitaryan seemingly improved in the second, while also had a couple shots to show. However, more is expected from a player of his calibre, and he certainly has disappointed for most parts of the season.
Alex Iwobi – 6.5/10
Iwobi did not start the game well, getting into his usual inconsistent zone, misplacing the ball too many times. But his improvement as the game went on was remarkable, running and taking defenders on with his speed and trickery. In the end, his work was rewarded with an assist for Aubameyang’s and Arsenal’s second goal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8/10
Continued his brilliant form in front of goal with another brace. One aspect of his performances in the last few games has been his movement to trouble defences, and he did it again with Burnley. Two goals, two ruthless finishes, all of which landed the Golden Boot at his feet.
Substitutes
Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
The more its said about Koscielny’s performances this season it feels less. Another brilliant, commanding display from Arsenal’s captain after replacing Mavropanos around the 30th-minute mark. Arsenal fans will be relieved he escaped injury when pushed against the advertising board.
Eddie Nketiah – 7/10
Nketiah’s character as a youngster was tested when pitted against the likes of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, where he did not shy away from the challenge. Got his first ever Premier League goal to wrap up the game late on and he should be happy.
