It was a day when Arsenal’s emphatic control over the game spoke as loudly as the scoreline. Playing away at Burnley, the Gunners imposed their rhythm early, showed discipline defensively, and ultimately took three crucial points that thrust them further clear at the top of the table.
Burnley had arrived with hopes of building on recent momentum, but were simply unable to match the precision and cohesion of their visitors. Arsenal’s performance was efficient, composed and at times ruthless — and for Burnley the afternoon left many questions.
From kickoff Arsenal looked in authority. Their opening goal arrived in the 14th minute, when a corner routine was executed with cold precision. A deep swing in from midfield found its way via the back post, and Viktor Gyökeres nodded home from close range.
There was little surprise in the home crowd’s reaction: Arsenal have rattled off a remarkable number of set-piece goals this season, and Burnley looked uncomfortable from the moment the ball was delivered. The rest of the first half followed the pattern.
Arsenal controlled possession, picked their moments, and Burnley struggled to carve out meaningful openings. In fact, by half-time Burnley had yet to register a shot on target.
Arsenal added their second in the 35th minute, and this goal underlined that this side is not just reliant on set-pieces — though those remain a major weapon.
The goal came from open play: a long throw from Burnley was cleared, the visitors broke fast, a crisp cross from Leandro Trossard was met by the imposing figure of Declan Rice, whose thunderous header beat Burnley’s goalkeeper and doubled the lead. At 2-0, Arsenal’s dominance was made concrete; Burnley were chasing shadows.
After the interval the tone of the match changed, though not in Burnley’s favour. Arsenal, content with their cushion, dropped deeper, allowing the home team more of the ball, but still keeping their shape, composure and control.
The visitors limited meaningful Burnley threats, and the second half lacked the frenetic edge one might have expected from a home side seeking to get back in it.
Burnley’s first real attempt on target came only in the 73rd minute — Florentino Luis’ effort sailing over the bar. Near the end there was a moment of desperation from Burnley — a free-kick nearly crept in off the post — but it was too little, too late.
Arsenal left Lancashire with a clean sheet, their seventh straight in all competitions.
From a tactical perspective, Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta continue to look like a team that has internalised their identity. They are organised, disciplined, aware of their own strengths, and ruthless in execution when opportunities come.
Set-pieces have become a thematic weapon — in this very match the opener was from a corner, and Arsenal have already scored more from set plays than any of their Premier League rivals. But beyond that, the second goal showed the ability to transition and exploit space, reminding opponents that Arsenal are more than a one-trick team.
For Burnley, the afternoon was frustrating. Hopes of gaining momentum from prior results were dashed by the quality of the opposition. Historically at home they have been hard to beat, though Arsenal seem to have their measure in recent visits.