Arsenal notched up a second successive victory as they secured all three points against Burnley on Saturday. The narrow 1-0 win saw them climb to the 13th spot on the League table.
The north London club coped really well with Burnley’s physicality. Martin Odegaard scored the only game of the tie in the 29th minute as the midfielder won a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box thanks to an electrifying run from Bukayo Saka, who was eventually fouled. Odegaard capitalized on this opportunity and scored from the set-piece in a scintillating fashion.
The Gunners had to fight hard to secure a positive result with the hosts growing in confidence as the match progressed. All eyes will be on the Gunners when they take on arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.
Here are some of the major talking points from the game:
1. Mikel Arteta deploys his favorite formation:
The Spanish boss had made it clear in the past that he desires to use the 4-3-3 formation. In his tenure as the manager, this game was the first time he fielded a team in this formation. Thomas Partey occupied a deep position in the midfield as a single pivot with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard in more advanced positions.
However, this system is still a work in progress. Burnley were able to work their way around the midfield with ease. This is a system that can be utilised against low-blocks but in some games, the Emirates club Arsenal are likely to have less possession of the ball and Arteta will have to revert to a double pivot as it provides more protection to the back four.
2. Midfield Maestro Odegaard:
The Norwegian looks to continue from where he left off last season. He had a fine outing against Burnley. It was his sumptuous free-kick that broke the deadlock. He curled it over the wall into the top corner beyond the helpless Nick Pope. His passing was on point and managed to complete some brilliant through balls. He was also impressive when occupying a deeper role during the closing stages of the match.
3. Ramsdale cements his spot:
Aaron Ramsdale keeps another clean sheet. That is three in three games now for the youngster. There was a severe backlash from fans when Arsenal signed him. They couldn’t comprehend why the team had spent huge sums of money on a young keeper.
Ramsdale seems to be answering the critics with his performances on the pitch. He commands his box and organizes the defense flawlessly. His expansive and accurate distribution cannot go unnoticed, as it plays a vital role in Arteta’s philosophy of playing out from the back.
4. Partey is back:
The Ghana international has the ability to turn defenses into attacks. He broke up Burnely’s play on numerous occasions. When in possession, he cut through the midfield and made some intelligent passes to the forwards. Injuries have been a concern for the 29-year-old, but if he manages to stay fit, he will be an imperative figure in the Gunners’ midfield.
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