Arsenal snuck a win over a dogged Burnley side to open the season with two wins for the first time in a decade.
With the Emirates bathed in sunshine, Burnley were often a match for their hosts and will feel slightly unfortunate to have lost the game.
Unai Emery gave Dani Ceballos and David Luiz their first starts for the club whilst Alexandre Lacazette made his first appearance of the season. Indeed it was the Frenchman who opened the scoring with a smart finish from a Ceballos corner in the 13th minute. Despite being grabbed and pulled by Erik Pieters, Lacazette managed to drive a shot through Nick Pope’s legs.
Ashley Barnes then equalised as Dwight McNeil’s deflected shot fell at his feet allowing him to prod home. From there Barnes and Tarkowski could have scored from close range only for Leno to deny them, whilst Nick Pope was in even better form denying Guendouzi and Ceballos. Reiss Nelson also had a goal disallowed for offside after a smart passing move by Arsenal.
The game was decided by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the 64th minute as Ceballos won possession in midfield allowing Aubameyang to drive infield from the left-wing and lash a low shot past Pope.
Arsenal will feel relieved to open with two wins before a trip to Anfield and hosting arch-rivals Tottenham in the next fortnight. Burnley will feel aggrieved to lose a match they had more shots in, but with matches against Wolves and Liverpool to follow it may be a month or so before Burnley’s form translates to more points.
Dazzling Dani runs the show
After an inauspicious debut against Newcastle, Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos was superb against Burnley. Equally comfortable getting the ball off the back four or operating in the 10 role, the Spaniard controlled the game. Completing 70 of 78 passes and setting up both goals, Ceballos put on a dazzling display of quick passing, one-twos and will certainly be a valuable addition to Arsenal this season as they look to replace Ramsey and Ozil.
Barnes on fire
Ashley Barnes scored his third goal of the season and his 12th of 2019 – a tally bettered only by Mane (14) and Aguero (13) – the striker was a menace all day and threatened to run Luiz and Sokratis ragged. If Barnes can continue this run of form a top half push is within Burnley’s capability as is a move to a bigger side, indeed it could be argued that Barnes would improve every side bar the top-six.
Arsenal’s dynamic duo to become a terrific trio?
As was often the case in Emery’s first season, the strike partnership of Lacazette and Aubameyang covered up some questionable defending. Their two smart finishes and constant work rate and clever running again proved the difference. With Nicolas Pepe again introduced off the bench we could be on the verge of seeing the three of them play together up front. One dragged back heel by Pepe made a fool out of Ben Mee and the prospect of the three playing together will have defences quaking in their boots and could give Arsenal a front three as potent as any in the league.
Luiz the lifesaver or the liability?
The Brazilian centre-back made his debut following his move from Chelsea and Arsenal fans saw the full range of the David Luiz experience. Early shakiness in the air was almost exploited by Barnes and Wood and his presence doesn’t solve the issue of Arsenal’s flakiness at the heart of the defence. However, with seven clearances and 60 passes, Luiz showed why Emery needed him as he can join up play from the back and give Arsenal a different dimension to build attacks. This combined with his personality and leadership suggests that as so often with Luiz the negatives may be worth putting up with.
Dyche the diving police
“The game is in a terrible state in regards to blatant acts of cheating” revealed Sean Dyche in his post-match interview. The stunning revelation that players dive was part of a bizarre diatribe by the Burnley manager. In a game that saw little or no diving – indeed the closest we got to a dive was Ashley Barnes – it made for an embarrassing listen.
Whilst Dyche said it wasn’t specifically aimed at Arsenal the timing seemed pointed, especially as he didn’t seem to mind about diving last week. The game has struggled with diving for a long time but given the introduction of VAR, it should stamp down on players winning penalties and free kicks unfairly and this seemed an odd route to go down for Dyche.
Incidentally, diving isn’t the only form of cheating prevalent in the game, and the narrative it is any worse than appealing for throw-ins that aren’t yours, tactical fouls on the halfway line or roughhouse holding at set-pieces is a frustrating one, although maybe Dyche knows as Burnley manager he would be on shakier ground?
Dyche is often unfairly portrayed as a direct, old fashioned British manager which does huge disservice to an often innovative coach, but rants like this won’t help his reputation and could hold back what should be a route to a bigger club.
