Leandro Trossard “peaks” as Arsenal startled to life by Burnley.
The crisis was prevented. Arsenal might have been attempting to keep themselves alert, however.
Although they came close to acrimonious equalisers and even managed to salvage a sluggish victory with ten men, Mikel Arteta’s squad resumed their league-leading ways by proving incapable of withstanding anything more formidable than high passes into the box against Burnley.
It was relatively subdued following last weekend’s altercation with Newcastle, as Burnley’s defenders were defeated in aerial duels with Bukayo Saka and James Trafford flailed at corners.
Arteta, who was enraged with the referees following that loss, could still maintain a lighthearted tone when discussing Fábio Vieira’s dismissal for a heinous infraction committed against Josh Brownhill. “VAR was accurate,” the manager of Arsenal stated sarcastically but not entirely. “The referee made the correct call. Extremely encouraging that Mikel would discuss that. Excellent decision.”
Arteta, whose squad was devoid of seven injured players, was more content as he assessed a victory that brought his club level with Manchester City atop the standings. Arsenal could reflect on a selfless performance by Leandro Trossard, their threat from set-pieces, and their reluctance to panic after Burnley equalised through Brownhill, while ignoring another lacklustre performance from Kai Havertz.
“In my opinion, he brings everyone together. Trossard is so intelligent, Arteta remarked. “He seems to navigate in a manner that elicits interest and creates opportunities and pathways for individuals.”
“Today, he performed exceptionally well considering the tight spaces and the challenging terrain that required an attack.” He presented us with numerous opportunities and threats to connect and carve out our own spaces.
“He immediately places his body at risk when required; that was it. It is a magnificent 1,000 goals scored at the Emirates Stadium.
“I am extremely content with him. I believe he flows whenever you ask him to play, whether it be a wide or a nine, and he poses a significant threat. As a result, I am extremely content with him.”
Vincent Kompany was dismayed that Burnley, who maintained their nineteenth-place standing, were not captivated by his brilliant passing. They had the opportunity to gain momentum after thwarting Trossard’s opener, but their defence remains far too feeble.
Trafford’s feeble goalkeeping allowed William Saliba to head into Trossard’s corner, restoring Arsenal’s lead. The points were solidified when another delivery from the Belgian was intercepted by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who punished further poor defending. “Set pieces will dictate the narrative of this game,” Kompany stated.
“Our objective is to determine whether or not we had momentum and moments.” It was an exceptionally mature and disciplined performance. “However, the timing and disappointment of the goals will only serve to sharpen our focus.”
Arsenal struggled to acquire momentum against opponents whose spirit failed to conceal a dearth of quality in both departments. The initial lack of intensity on the part of Arteta’s squad nearly cost them in the eighth minute. Thankfully, David Raya was vigilant and averted Zeki Amdouni’s endeavour by darting to his left.
The Arsenal were drowsy. They failed to capitalise on Martin Odegaard’s persistent withdrawal, whereas Burnley initially managed to limit Saka’s impact. Saka, who was deemed fit after hobbling off in the midweek victory over Sevilla, initially encountered difficulty gaining possession of the ball.
Saka, dissatisfied with Arsenal’s lacklustre passing, vented some of his ire on Trafford with the club’s initial shot on target. Havertz, who once more fell short of conviction, appeared distressed after missing a reasonable headed chance.
It is still not occurring for the German, whose poor pass later impeded a promising counterattack. Although Trossard missed the target, Arsenal continued to make life difficult for themselves. After Johann Berg Gudmundsson capitalised on Saliba’s error, they were on the verge of falling behind, but Raya made an outstanding save.
Arsenal initiated Burnley’s retaliation. Saka nodded Zinchenko’s cross into the net, and Trossard, substituting for Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus in place of the absent Trossard, bravely headed the ball past Trafford. Burnley could only speculate as to how two of the shortest players on the pitch had edged them in the air.
Arsenal consistently sought to capitalise on this vulnerability, as Trafford exhibited an odd reluctance to leave his position to claim crosses.
Due to the efficacy of the stratagem, Arsenal scored an additional goal subsequent to Burnley’s equaliser. It was an easy method of preventing a drama. By allowing Burnley to bring it on themselves at the beginning of the second half, Arsenal had threatened to bring it on themselves. A VAR review rendered Luca Koleosho’s challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu unpunished, and Brownhill’s strike was saved by Gabriel Magalhães.
Is it time for an outburst? Not exactly. Daniel Martinelli broke down the left immediately and challenged Wayne Trafford. Trafford erupted from a corner kick by Trossard, and Saliba converted from one yard out. Arsenal would strengthen their hold on the ball when Zinchenko skillfully guided a calculated shot past Trafford following another corner kick from Trossard. The late red card received by Vieira hardly increased the tension.
Leandro Trossard “peaks” as Arsenal startled to life by Burnley.