Arsenal comfortably beat Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners took the lead courtesy of yet another set piece. Declan Rice’s delivery far to the back post, where Gabriel’s right-footed return was headed into an open net by Viktor Gyokeres.
Rice then turned scorer, as the Swedish striker’s switch to Leandro Trossard was followed by a cross into the box for the England international to head past Martin Dubravka.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Had nothing to do in the first half except a couple of goal kicks and passes to his teammates. Despite Burnley being much better in the second half, he still simply had so little to do. 6
Jurrien Timber – Had a fine defensive performance with some astute tackles and duels being won. Provided also some excellent progressive passes and runs. 7
William Saliba – Worries about his fitness were dispelled as the Frenchman started the game. From his display, however, you would never know, collecting another clean sheet with a great last-man challenge in the second half too. 7
Gabriel – Great flick at the back post with his weak foot for the opening goal. Made several critical headed clearances in the first half from Burnley crosses. 8
Riccardo Calafiori – Once again, absolutely everywhere on the field for the Gunners, but his link-up was particularly good with Leandro Trossard. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Provided a beautiful chipped pass to Trossard, who could have scored but couldn’t find a touch. Had a great game until he went down with potential cramp. 7
Declan Rice – Teams might train every week before facing Arsenal’s set pieces, but how can you train against Declan Rice’s deliveries, as yet another leads to a goal, when you don’t yourselves have Rice?
Then he would score himself a perfectly executed header from Trossard’s cross. His overall game was simply glorious with some amazing pieces of technical skill throughout. 9
Eberechi Eze – Deflected shot dropping wide of Dubravka’s goal was his best chance of the first half as he mainly focused on build-up play. Replaced in the second half after a relatively quiet game but was key in the Gunners’ passing game. 6
Bukayo Saka – Had a huge chance to get Arsenal a second after finding a way through for a one-on-one, which Martin Dubravka got down well to save. Then a second came saved with a high hand from the Slovakian. 7
Viktor Gyokeres – Easiest goal of his career after nodding in Gabriel’s brilliant, reverse pass from Rice’s corner. Fantastic pass in the build-up for the second goal too. Was arguably having his best game until he was replaced at half-time after being struck in the face before the break. He keeps his high score in some ways for how Arsenal dipped without his presence. 8
Leandro Trossard – Saw a goal-bound shot blocked on the line by Hartman and Tuanzebe that was destined for the back of the net. Found the perfect cross for Rice to head in the Gunners’ second.
Was lucky to potentially escape a red card after he appeared to kick out after losing out in a challenge. Overall, outside of the controversial moment, it was one of his better games, at both ends. 8
Substitutes:Mikel Merino – Coming on at half-time in place of Viktor Gyokeres. Looked a bit clumsy and made a couple of mistakes on the ball, which he thankfully got away with. 5
Ethan Nwaneri – Replaced Eberechi Eze in the second half. Great spin in the middle of the field before a drive leading to a shot that went just wide of the post. 6
Piero Hincapie – Replaced Riccardo Calafiori in the first half. Defended well, no complaints. 6
Christian Norgaard – Replaced Martin Zubimendi late in the second half. n/a
Myles Lewis-Skelly - On for Trossard late on. n/a
