COULD Arsenal mount a real title charge?
You’d be hard-pressed to argue against them being contenders given their recent form.
The Gunners matched the dismal weather in Burnley by raining goals down on the Turf Moor faithful.
After hammering West Ham 6-0 last weekend, the Gunners turned on the flair to win 5-0 against The Clarets this afternoon.
Mikel Arteta’s side were questioned over their ability to score goals in January – they’ve now scored 21 in their last five outings.
Bukayo Saka bagged another brace while Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz also knocked one past Burnley keeper James Trafford.
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Here’s how Kieran Davies ranked each player’s performance…
DAVID RAYA – 6
The Arsenal keeper had very little to do with the hosts failing to register a single shot on target.
BEN WHITE – 6
Caused a lot of problems during a period in the first half by the pace and skill of Wilson Odobert. Didn’t really get forward as much as usual to support Bukayo Saka. Against a better side, looks like you could really get some joy down the right side of this Arsenal defence.
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GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7
Much like William Saliba, they dealt with the crosses the Clarets got into the box and protected David Raya’s goal well all afternoon.
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WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Did well to deal with the aerial threat as Burnley lobbed balls into the box whenever they got forward.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 7
Filling in for injuries on the left, he kept Aaron Ramsey very quiet. Managed to get forward also and provide some assistance to Gabriel Martinelli.
DECLAN RICE – 8
On the rare occasions Burnley ventured into the Gunners’ half, he put in some well-timed challenges to break up play. Offered assistance on the attack also but ensured that the counter-attack was never on.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Came into the game more in the second half and started supporting Martinelli down the left flank. Topped off his display with a well-taken goal himself towards the end of the game.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 9
Controlled the attacking threat of Arsenal all afternoon. Pulling the strings and threading the passes to create chances.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Relatively quiet game considering the scoreline. Was often frustrated as Burnley got numbers around him but always looked dangerous when on the ball.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7
Missed some early chances, in particular one where he missed the ball completely. Linked up play well and got himself a goal in the second half to put the game to bed.
BUKAYO SAKA – 10
Was a threat that the Clarets could not deal with all game. His pace and movement put Burnley on the back foot early on and allowed Arsenal to dominate this game. Got himself two goals in the process and created plenty of chances for his team-mates.
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CEDRIC SOARES (for White) – 6
Tricky for the player once he came on, looked to be off the pace due to his lack of game time. Burnley got some joy down the flanks after his introduction.
REISS NELSON (for Saka) – 6
Had a decent run out as Mikel Arteta looked to rest players for midweek. Didn’t really make much of an impact when he had the chance to impress.
EDDIE NKETIAH (for Trossard) – 6
Made some good runs into the channels, offering himself up for that final pass or cross. Had a 20-minute runout but didn’t really get close to getting himself a goal.
JORGINHO (for Rice) – 6
Came on with ten minutes or so remaining and struggled to get into the game. Did the simple things well and prevented Burnley getting forward at times.
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EMILE SMITH ROWE (for Havertz) – 6
Tried to get involved in the final third and get the sixth goal the fans were craving. Sadly, all of his efforts were blocked and he failed to work Trafford in the Clarets’ goal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
