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Arsene Wenger's side welcomed Burnley to the Emirates this weekend. It was the French manager's last ever home match. Prior to kickoff, Sean Dyche's team was assured of a place in European football for the first time in 51 years.
Sadly, Arsenal crashing out of Europa League following an aggregate 1-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night meant that Wenger would go trophyless in his last season in charge. As such, the Gunners will join The Clarets in Europa League next season too.
Arsenal were without Laurent Koscielny. He missed out due to an Achilles injury he sustained during the Europa League clash, which will keep him out of the upcoming World Cup too. Petr Cech was restored to the starting line-up in Wenger's last home match and Aubameyang who was cup-tied on Thursday led the forward line.
Konstantinos Mavropanos, who had impressed last weekend, retains his position in the starting eleven together with Calum Chambers.
The visitors named a strong starting line-up, with Nick Pope and Gudmundsson both starting at the Emirates. Last year at Turf Moor, a penalty from Alexis Sanchez in the last minute aided the Gunners to a marginal victory.
Now without Sanchez, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan have been added the boost to the team. Emirates Stadium was once again filled with spectators who first enjoyed the guard of honour for Wenger.
Aubameyang opened the scoring for Arsenal with the players eager to have a great send-off for their well-known manager. The player later went on to score his second goal of the match. Thereafter, Arsenal squandered quite a few chances and was unable to break into their opponent's penalty box. Burnley came close to equalizing in the 44th minute, but Lacazette increased the lead during added time of the first half.
Burnley could do little to stop Arsenal's continuous threat as Kolasinac and Iwobi added their names to the scoresheet. Per Mertesacker played the last few minutes of the match. As he stood from the bench, thunderous applause came from the fans who knew the captain would retire at the end of the season. Here is how the players fared in their easy victory.
Petr Cech: 7/10
Arsenal's first-choice keeper had a relatively easy time between the posts. There was little to do as Arsenal dominated possession and refused to let the Clarets attack much. He had a comfortable night.
Hector Bellerin: 7/10
The right-back was given lots of space to attack. His crosses were delivered accurately to his team-mates and he supported the midfielders well during the team's attacks.
Calum Chambers: 7.5/10
He stepped up from the backline often and tried the get the ball moving forward. Chambers partnered Mavropanos for the second consecutive time in Premier League this season. Their partnership is seemingly effective, with the duo aware of who stays at the back when the team advances to attack.
Konstantinos Mavropanos: 7/10
The Greek defender shows that his great physical strength and ability to handle aerial duals well. At just 20 years of age, there is plenty of hope that he will be one of the best defenders in the world.
There were some minor mistakes in his play today, but that is all part and parcel of his learning process. If he continues improving and remains calm in his play, he can be a great replacement for Arsenal's senior defenders.
Sead Kolasinac: 7/10
Nacho Monreal was given a rest and as such Kolasinac had a rare chance to start. The former Schalke 04 man was calm and composed during the match. As compared to previous matches that he has played in, he experienced more much freedom of play today and could roam forward far more frequently. It was an unexpected goal from him in the second half, but it was well-deserved and added to Wenger's delight.
Granit Xhaka: 7.5/10
Xhaka was lucky to have not come off worse during the collision with Ashley Barnes in the 21st minute of the match. Once again, his accurate long balls made Arsenal's midfield tick and their play extremely smooth on the whole.
Jack Wilshere: 7/10
Wilshere was more direct with his runs in the second-half instead of over-complicating matters as he did in the first 45 minutes. He provided a wonderful assist for Kolasinac who scored Arsenal's third goal. His form in the second-half should bring him to the World Cup.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7.5/10
Even though his key passes were at times blocked, his creativity is as good as Ozil's. As compared to the German midfielder, who is absent from today's game, Mkhitaryan is the one who is much more active on the pitch and running all around. Great technique from him but he has been unlucky to have not scored.
Alex Iwobi: 6.5/10
It was an average performance delivered by Iwobi. He lost possession far too easily with his heavy first-touches on the ball. One area he has to improve would be his ability to keep the ball close to him as he runs.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8/10
Aubameyang positioned himself in great positions to score and was willing to dig for the ball from deep play. He illustrated that his willingness to provide for his team-mates instead of stealing the limelight. It was great that he scored a crucial early goal for the Gunners.
Alexandre Lacazette: 8.5
Lacazette showed his talent and ability to play well with Aubameyang. The duo seems to understand each other and with his flicks and key passes, Lacazette has created lots of chances for the rest of his team. Since returning from injury, the French striker has started to play with much more confidence in himself and his strengths.
Substitutes:
Aaron Ramsey: 7/10
Ramsey has always been dangerous in the final third. His finishing may not be the best, but he is certainly a player to mark all the time. He made a few well-timed runs into the box and could have scored from close range too.
Danny Welbeck: 7.5/10
He missed a great chance delivered from Aubameyang to add his name to the scoresheet. Welbeck looks energetic despite playing in a hard-fought match against Atletico Madrid. His powerful shot hit the post, else he could have brought the scoreline to 6-0.
Per Mertesacker: 7/10
The Arsenal captain came on for Calum Chambers at the 77th minute. It would be his last home match for the Gunners as he prepares to take on a coaching role after retiring at the end of the season. He did exactly what he needed to do.
