Do you recall the aftermath of Arsenal’s loss to Liverpool in the FA Cup at home? It was just six matches ago and appeared to be undeniable proof that Mikel Arteta’s team was headed towards a disappointing season unless they acquired a reliable scorer. However, despite not bringing in a new player, Arsenal has scored 21 goals in the last five games. Most recently, Burnley fell victim to the impressive and dynamic energy that has propelled Arsenal back into the race for the title.
Martin Ødegaard led Arsenal to another impressive away win at Turf Moor, securing their fifth consecutive victory in the Premier League. Captain Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz all contributed to the scoreline. This marks the first time in Arsenal’s history that they have achieved five straight wins at the start of a year. The variety of players scoring highlights a team that takes accountability for their performance. The only moment of joy for Burnley on a tough day was when the PA system announced the cancellation of the late train to London.
Arteta predictably chose to use the identical starting lineup that had dominated West Ham in the previous match. His desire for a repeat performance was immediately fulfilled as Arsenal quickly scored their first goal. Declan Rice initiated the breakthrough by passing to Gabriel Martinelli, who sprinted down the left side. With little opposition from Burnley’s right-back Lorenz Assignon, the Brazilian had ample time to spot Ødegaard waiting unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. He then delivered a precise cross to his captain, who controlled the ball with his first touch and effortlessly swept it into the bottom corner of James Trafford’s goal.
The Norwegian player’s eighth goal this season signaled the beginning of a flawless performance from the midfielder. Ødegaard displayed a level above the opposing team, effortlessly executing his vision, timing, and technique.
Last weekend, Burnley put on a strong performance despite losing to Liverpool. Vincent Kompany received his third yellow card of the season, which led to him being benched for the match by the Burnley manager. Assistant coach Craig Bellamy took over from the sidelines, while Kompany watched from above. However, Burnley still struggled to disrupt Arsenal’s flow, hold onto the ball, or put pressure on their defense. They also struggled to anticipate Kai Havertz’s diagonal runs on the left side. With Ødegaard continuously finding these runs, it was only a matter of time before Arsenal increased their lead.
Display the image in full screen mode.
Leandro Trossard had two opportunities to score a second goal, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to get past Trafford and missed the ball completely after Ødegaard, Havertz, and Saka worked together to break through Burnley’s defense. Sander Berge prevented Martinelli from scoring from Saka’s cross when Ødegaard took advantage of the hosts’ lack of awareness with a quick free kick. However, Burnley was ultimately caught off guard when Arsenal’s captain found Havertz making another run into open space. Havertz’s first touch set up Trossard for a clear shot on goal, but he was unfairly taken down by Assignon. Saka confidently scored a penalty, just out of reach for Trafford’s desperate dive.
At the end of the first half, some fans at the home stadium expressed disappointment with boos. This feeling did not improve throughout the game. Saka scored his sixth goal in four consecutive games only two minutes after the game resumed, thanks to another impressive pass from Ødegaard. The ball was skillfully threaded behind Hannes Delcroix, the left-back, and Saka easily took advantage of the opportunity by blasting an unstoppable shot into the top of the Burnley goal.
Bypass the advertisement for the newsletter.
after newsletter promotion
Odegaard was also part of the incident where Aaron Ramsey suffered a severe injury in the second half. However, no fault was placed on the Arsenal player. Ramsey was tackled by Odegaard and it seems his foot got stuck in the ground, causing his right knee to give out. The unfortunate Burnley player had to be carried off on a stretcher and received oxygen on his way out.
Trossard missed another opportunity, but then scored a strong goal past Trafford after Ødegaard passed to Jakub Kiwior on the left. Kiwior made a low cross that eventually reached the in-form striker. Burnley fans were disappointed by Arsenal’s fifth goal, which came from a long throw by Kiwior to Havertz. Havertz easily took the ball from a sleeping Burnley defense, nutmegged Delcroix, and scored with a casual finish. The away fans cheered for a sixth goal, but Arsenal didn’t score again. Nobody complained.
Source: theguardian.com
