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Arsenal took on Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Saturday (September 18), as the Gunners looked to register their second win of the campaign. Mikel Arteta's side started the game in 17th place on the Premier League table, as the Spanish manager named a very strong side for the game.
Aaron Ramsdale retained his place in goal following his impressive display against Norwich last time out. Fellow new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu once again started at right-back with Ben White partnering Gabriel at the heart of the defense. Thomas Partey also got his first start of the season after coming on as a substitute against Norwich.
Arteta put out a very attacking lineup, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Nicolas Pepe all starting. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the chosen centre-forward for Arsenal.
The game started off as expected, with Burnley sitting deep and allowing Arsenal to keep possession of the ball. The Gunners found a lot of joy down the flanks as Kieran Tierney and Nicolas Pepe both got in behind their defenders on multiple occasions during the first half. However, neither side really made any significant chances early on in the game.
Bukayo Saka was then fouled outside the box in the 30th minute. Martin Odegaard stepped up to take the free kick and scored a wonderful goal, curling it over the wall and out of Nick Pope's reach. This was the Norwegian's first goal for Arsenal since signing for the club on a permanent deal.
The rest of the half was much of the same, as neither side could really trouble either goalkeeper, as Arsenal went into half-time with a 1-0 lead. Burnley came out the stronger team in the second-half, with Johann Gudmundsson seeing his effort blocked by Gabriel in the box. Burnley new boy Maxwell Cornet, who was brought on in the 59th minute, almost immediately had an impact as he saw his effort palmed over the bar by Aaron Ramsdale.
This would go on to become the theme of the second-half as Ramsdale and Arsenal's defense easily thwarted whatever Burnley threw at them. Mikel Arteta will, however, be concerned with his own side's lack of killer instinct in front of goal. The Gunners were woeful in the final third, constantly wasting opportunities to double their lead.
The game ended with Arsenal getting the win, in a fairly comfortable display. The Gunners are now 13th in the Premier League table and will look forward to facing Tottenham in the North London Derby next weekend. This performance should be a huge boost to the Gunners' confidence, as multiple players put in good showings against Burnley.
So without further ado, here are Arsenal's 5 best players from the 1-0 win against Burnley in the Premier League.
#5 Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard scored the game's only goal with a spectacular free-kick in the first-half. The Norwegian had a solid game in midfield, as he started in a deeper role than he is accustomed to.
Odegaard kept things ticking in Arsenal's midfield and was very tidy on the ball, often getting the Gunners out of dangerous situations with his passing and close control. The Norwegian was also one of Arsenal's main creative forces, constantly trying to play the forwards through, although it did not always work out.
This performance should help him keep his place in the starting XI for the North London Derby next weekend.
#4 Thomas Partey
One of the most important players in the Arsenal team, the Gunners are a completely different side when Thomas Partey plays. The Ghanaian absolutely dominated the midfield against Burnley with an all-action display.
Partey was Arsenal's deepest-lying midfielder on the night and completely nullified Ashley Westwood and Josh Brownhill. The Ghanaian's physicality and calmness on the ball helped the Gunners' transition from defense to offense seamlessly throughout the game.
Partey's presence and influence in Arsenal's midfield cannot be understated and Mikel Arteta will hope to have the midfielder fit for the rest of the season.
#3 Gabriel
Following a strong display in his return to action for Arsenal against Norwich last week, Gabriel put in another dominant performance against Burnley. The Brazilian was everywhere, as he frustrated the likes of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes time and time again.
Gabriel's mobility, physicality and aerial prowess helped thwart almost every single one of Burnley's forward forays. The Brazilian also showed great composure on the ball and helped start Arsenal's attack from the back on multiple occasions.
Mikel Arteta will be overjoyed with the Brazilian seemingly having taken his performances to the next level. He will hope that Gabriel can stay fit and be consistent for the rest of the season.
#2 Aaron Ramsdale
Bernd Leno will be shaking in his boots following Aaron Ramsdale's display against Burnley. The Englishman commanded his box with aplomb and made light work of a Burnley side that is known for their aerial prowess.
Ramsdale put in an assured performance, showing great composure, passing and handling abilities. The goalkeeper made it look easy as he stopped everything that Burnley threw at him.
Ramsdale did have a penalty scare in the second-half when he seemingly tripped Matej Vydra in the box. However, VAR showed that the keeper put in a great tackle on the striker, following a misplaced pass by Ben White.
Mikel Arteta will now have a huge dilemma on his hands as he has to choose between Ramsdale and Leno for the North London Derby next weekend.
#1 Takehiro Tomiyasu
In a flawless display in defense, Takehiro Tomiyasu showed why Arsenal were so desperate to sign him on deadline day. The Japan international didn't put a foot wrong against Burnley as he completely controlled Arsenal's right flank.
The right-back adorned himself to the Arsenal fans last week with his display against Norwich, and put in an even better performance this time around. Tomiyasu kept things simple and did what he was brought in for, which is to defend.
The Japanese international was a tireless runner, and won every duel on the night. He also made five clearances and was the main reason why Burnley found no joy going down Arsenal's right flank.
Tomiyasu already looks like a bargain and should be a huge part of Arsenal's defense for many years to come.
