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Arsenal made it two wins in two games as they continued their perfect start, following a hard-fought 2-1 win against a stubborn Burnley in their first game of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
Many Arsenal fans might've experienced a bit of deja-vu as the lethal attacking duo of Alexandre Lacazette and last season's Golden Boot winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang yet again proved to be the game-changers for the Gunners, scoring in either half of the game.
This victory propelled them to the top of the table momentarily before Liverpool won their game by the same margin and claimed the spot thanks to a superior goal difference.
New faces in Dani Ceballos and Premier League veteran David Luiz made their full debuts for the club. While the former hugely impressed in his outing, the former Chelsea star ended the game with a booking to his name.
Though Unai Emery's men took an early lead thanks to a goal from Lacazette, Burnley bounced back thanks to a late first-half goal from striker Ashley Barnes, who has now scored more goals in 2019 than every other Premier League player barring Sadio Mane and Sergio Aguero.
In the second half, it was Ceballos whose brilliance and awareness that created the opportunity for Aubameyang to do what he does best and find the back of the net to all but seal the victory and the three points for the hosts.
Here are the three key reasons that led the match to culminate in an Arsenal victory.
#1 Arsenal's strikers continued their fine form and partnership
The most exciting players in the current Arsenal squad are without a doubt their two world-class strikers. Both of the strikers stand apart from their otherwise mediocre team and add a flair to the aspect of the Gunners' game.
They have been a reliable source of goals throughout last season and had formed a great striker partnership that yielded 35 goals and 15 assists in the 2018/19 campaign.
Heading into the new season, they have now scored three goals in two games and in their first game of together they looked sharp and ready for the things to come.
It was the Frenchman who handed the hosts the lead in the 13th minute from absolutely nothing and the Gabonese star who ensured the team walks off with the three points. And the club's dependence on these forwards is surely going to increase as the season progresses.
#2 Arsenal dominated the midfield thanks to a memorable performance from Ceballos
Dani Ceballos made an instant impact on his full debut at the Emirates Stadium, as he set up both of Arsenal's goals, while also making crucial tackles and winning back possessions with equal ease.
Burnley just couldn’t handle Ceballos at the Emirates. The Spaniard had 97 touches and over a 90% pass accuracy – completing 4/4 dribbles and created 4 chances, including his two assists. He won 2 tackles, recovered the ball 7 times.
But singling out Ceballos as the architect of their victory in which they also maintained 66 % possession will be an insult to the relatively quiet but efficient Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock.
With their energy and presence, they perfectly complemented Ceballos as he put on a show that has earned him comparisons with Arsenal great Santi Cazorla.
#3 When in possession Arsenal players showed serious determination to move the ball forward
Arsenal enjoyed a 66% possession in the game, an improvement from their previous fixture in which they had a 62% possession and still managed to score only one goal against Newcastle.
This time around they moved around the ball efficiently with Ceballos being the wellspring of attacking ideas, but players like David Luiz and Nacho Monreal also making effective contributions in attack when in possession.
The players looked calm with the ball at their feet and linked up pretty well with their teammates to ensure that they do not waste possession and create some really great moves. They suddenly changed the tempo of the game, catching the Burnley defenders completely off-guard.
It seems Arsenal are finally ready to play Unai Emery's exciting, progressive style of football.
