Right, let me catch my breath. That was probably one of the most frustrating games I’ve had to sit through in a very long time.
When it comes to celebrating an Arsene Wenger milestone, things were never going to be completely rosy at a Burnley side that have such a resilient mentality.
The boys left it late at Turf Moor and after knocking on the door for the majority of the 90 minutes Laurent Koscielny scrambled home a winner that could be incredibly important.
Three points lifts Arsenal to third place and has reduced the gap between league leaders Manchester City to just two points going into the international break.
Petr Cech – 6.5
Very little to do but as always was ready when called upon at set pieces, which coincidentally were Burnley’s only form of attack when they eventually broke into the Arsenal half.
Hector Bellerin – 7
This guy just gets better in every game that I watch him, and aside from his beautiful link-up play on the right wing his maturity is what stands out the most. Still needs to work on his final ball into the box, too many times it was easy for Burnley to clear.
Shkodran Mustafi – 8 (MOTM)
I really, really like the look of Mustafi and his performance today showed it’s not just a few good opening games that he’s in the line-up for. Had a constant battle with Sam Vokes and ruined the strikers afternoon by getting touch-tight every single time.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Albeit off his hand, the captain came up with the goods when it mattered, getting the slightest of touches from a Theo Walcott cross to leave Arsenal taking all the points back to North London. Defended well when needed but had to be patient.
Nacho Monreal – 6.5
Again, much like Bellerin I feel like we see a lot more of his game when Giroud is waiting in the area and that’s what we could have done with today. Worked his socks off throughout and not much got past him.
Granit Xhaka – 7
Had to see a new side of Xhaka today and that was all about his build-up play because there was very little to do in terms of defence. Long ball distribution helped us expose some gaps in Burnley’s defence.
Santi Cazorla – 6.5
Slightly quiet today but consistent as ever. Played in such an advanced role in order to allow Ozil to spread wider on to the wings.
Theo Walcott – 7.5
You can see his confidence starting to come through now and although he screwballed a few shots the winger never gave up. Provided the assist for the goal and is repaying the faith Wenger put in him with every game he plays.
Mesut Ozil – 5
Didn’t look in the mood today and in all honesty the German playmaker could have been taken off in the early stages of the second half. Sloppy passes at times and the few attempts he had on goal just looked as if he was playing Sunday league football.
Alex Iwobi – 6
Much like Ozil, the winger looked a bit tired out on the left side and things didn’t really come off when trying to go forward. His decision making took a knock with Burnley organised so well across the back four. A break should do him some good.
Alexis Sanchez – 7.5
I really don’t know where this guy gets his energy from but when everyone else is panting Alexis is like the Duracell bunny running at defenders. Tried to play the way he did against Chelsea but with Burnley sat so deep he often had to come back into midfield to get hold of the ball. Had a beautiful chance in the 72nd minute that hit the post.
Substitute Ratings
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5
Brought on to try and push the midfield forward a bit more. Very good at picking up the pieces and fluffed a chance given to him from a corner kick.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Didn’t look confident on the ball and played safe for the majority of his time on the pitch. Added something different in terms of fresh legs but haven’t seen enough from him to suggest a starting place is deserved.
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