A fitting goodbye for Arsene Wenger as Arsenal demolished Burnley 5-0 at the Emirates tonight. The Gunners started their scoring run early in the first half from one of Alexandre Lacazette’s drilled in shots towards the far post. The Frenchman’s shot was not directed towards goal but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was there to tap it in. 1-0.
The Clarets did manage a few chances of their own for the equalizer but Lacazette made it 2-0 just minutes from the half-time whistle. Hector Bellerin took advantage of the acres of space allowed on the right and crossed it towards the club’s number nine, who tapped it in with ease.
The second half started with the Gunners bringing the same amount of intensity in the game as they did in the first half. Jack Wilshere drifted through the centre to set up Sead Kolasinac for the third Arsenal goal. The Bosnian slammed the ball across goal with power. 3-0.
Alex Iwobi registered the 4th with an assist from Aubameyang. The latter got rewarded for his impressive offensive display with another sublime pass from Bellerin. 5-0 at the 75th minute.
An easy victory for the Gunners and a perfect way to end their impressive season at home.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated on the night.
Petr Cech – 7/10
He was almost untested tonight other than staying vigilant against a few of the opposition attacks.
Sead Kolasinac – 7/10
A much-improved display from the ex-Schalke man as he was allowed to venture forward without much concern. He did track back when required and scored a bullet of a goal.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 8/10
He hardly looks like a rookie. An absolute rock at the back especially against seasoned professionals like Ashley Barnes and Jeff Hendrick.
Calum Chambers – 7/10
Works much better with the youngster next to him than either Koscielny or Mustafi. He was commanding at the back and was quick to clear off any threats. His distribution was on-point.
Hector Bellerin – 8/10
Did well to redeem himself with quality balls into the Burnley box.
Granit Xhaka – 7/10
He was calm with possession and distributed the balls well.
Jack Wilshere – 7/10
He continues to make a strong case for the England national team. Very hard to knock off the ball as he drifted in and out of tight spaces with ease.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7/10
Very hard worker off the ball and highly impactful on it. Always looked to make things happen with an eye for the right pass.
Alex Iwobi – 6/10
Other than the goal, not the best night for the Nigerian international.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 9/10
A striker fitting of the price paid for him. His eagerness to run behind the Burnley defence was key in breaking down Sean Dyche’s men. Deserving of the brace.
Alexandre Lacazette – 9/10
Similar praise can be heaped on the Frenchman as he did his bit for the night. Incredibly unselfish in front of goal and a perfect man to link up the offence with Aubameyang.
Substitutes:
Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
Did his usual bit of getting into threatening positions.
Danny Welbeck – 6/10
Lots of energy.
Per Mertesacker – N/A
Could not cap off a sentimental night with a goal even though he was almost first to a ball on the Burnley box on one occasion.
