Arsenal have enjoyed back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season, a 2-0 away win at Sunderland before a convincing 3-0 home victory over Burnley has relived pressure after a disappointing start to the season.
What Went Well?
Arsenal ran out comfortable victors in the end over Burnley at the Emirates on Saturday. Alexis Sánchez was the architect again, and Calum Chambers scored his first goal since moving from Southampton. It was like the Arsenal of old, creating so many chances, and although it took 70 minutes to break down the resilience of Burnley, there were signs that Arsenal were getting back to their best after a shaky start to the season. First, Alexis Sánchez leaped into the air to head Calum Chambers’ cross past Tom Heaton, then the latter toe-poked home after a ricochet in the box, before the Chilean magician got on the end of Kieran Gibbs’ cross before showing nice skill to tuck past an unfortunate Tom Heaton. Arsenal controlled the game from the off, and that was epitomised with the 68% possession that the Gunners had. An incredible 32 shots Arsenal had with 12 on target and had 18 corners, one of them, leading to the goal. Burnley are yet to win in the Premier League since returning from a four-year absence to the top flight and despite drawing with Manchester United and positive signs being picked up, the Clarets look doomed and the lack of money spent is proving a costly move from Sean Dyche.
It looked for 70 minutes that Arsenal were heading for another dismal home result against bottom-of-the-table Burnley but man-of-the-moment Alexis Sanchez stepped to yet again justify his £32m price tag even further. The Chilean has become a fans favourite and has hit the ground running with 10 goals and three assists in just 18 appearances. Many are already comparing him to the great Thierry Henry and has certainly made the biggest impact of any new signing across the Premier League. Arsène Wenger said this about his match-winner his his post-match press conference on Saturday:
“He finds the resources to get you a goal when it’s 0-0, that’s what is important. It’s always very interesting when you look at the number of goals people score – how many times do they score at 0-0? They’re the guys who can really make the difference.”
Theo Walcott was treated to a heroes reception on his return from injury, ten months after rupturing ligaments in his knee. The forward man tested Tom Heaton twice in his brief cameo and could start against Anderlecht on Tuesday night at the Emirates. Arsenal showed glimpses of what they achieved in the first-half of last season and despite having many absentees through injury, there is certainly confidence and belief that this team can achieve great things this season and with many key individuals still to return, things are looking up for the Gunners. Arsenal host Anderlecht on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium before travelling to the South Coast of Wales to face Swansea on Sunday.
