“ARSENAL’S team bus got caught in traffic on their way to Turf Moor – meaning they arrived later than planned. But nothing can get in the way of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners right now – who look to be firmly en route to the title. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Arsenal proved too”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
But nothing can get in the way of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners right now – who look to be firmly en route to the title.
Thank you!
Arsenal proved too much for Burnley as they cruised to a 2-0 winCredit: Getty
Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice were both on the scoresheet with headersCredit: PA They are leaving the other title hopefuls trailing in their rear view mirror right now – winning games and racking up the clean sheets.
Yet another set piece goal – a 12th this season – was converted by Viktor Gyokeres to ensure they settled in nicely.
And a first Premier League goal from open play on the road this season followed towards the end of the first half – with Declan Rice heading in.
Their journey to East Lancashire might have been trickier than expected – but on the pitch it could have been more straight forward.
It took them just 14 minutes to take the lead although the home fans were unhappy about the award of the corner as Martin Dubravka collected a pass forward from Leandro Trossard behind the touchline.
Replays showed there was a small deflection off Kyle Walker – so maybe it was just the Turf Moor faithful were fearful of what came next.
With the visiting supporters singing “set piece again”, Declan Rice swung over his flag-kick and it was nodded back across goal by Gabriel.
Gyokeres had the easiest job of nodding in his sixth goal for the club from close range – and the Gunners had a valuable lead.
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That made it 12 set piece goals already for Arteta’s men this season and we’ve only just moved into November.
Arsenal were clearly buoyed by their early lead and went in search of another – with Bukayo Saka guilty of wasting two golden opportunities.
First he got in after an error by Maxime Esteve but Dubravka got down brilliantly to deny him.
And the former Newcastle keeper was at it again to deny the England winger as he ran onto Eberechi Eze’s pass.
The rebound fell kindly for Trossard but his shot was kept out on the line by a combination of Axel Tuanzebe and Quilindschy Hartman.
It felt like only a matter of time before the visitors went further ahead and it arrived 10 minutes before the break.
A searching pass from Gyokeres sent Trossard away down the left and he stood up a cross that was perfect for Rice and the Three Lions midfielder’s header gave Dubravka no chance.
It has taken a while – but Arsenal’s first Prem goal from open play away from home this season was worth waiting for.
It looked a long way back for the Clarets from there particularly as they had not mustered a single shot in the first half – never mind one on target.
Declan Rice powered his header past Martin DubravkaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Six matches have passed since Arsenal last conceded a goal in any competition – Nick Woltemade‘s strike for Newcastle back on September 28.
Arsenal made a change at the break with Gyokeres failing to reappear and Mikel Merino coming on in his place.
It was a shame for the Swede – he was having one of his best games in a Gunners shirt.
The excitement went with him as the visitors allowed Burnley to have more of the ball – although not surprisingly they struggled to break the Gunners down.
One big chance came when Esteve nodded a free-kick from Axel Tuanzebe back across goal but midfielder Florentino could only direct his header over the bar.
A goal then could have made it interesting as Marcus Edwards rattled the post in the final minute.
But nothing is getting past David Raya these days and Arsenal march on.
Gyokeres is starting to grow into his role at Arsenal after arriving in the summerCredit: Getty
