Arsenal took on Burnley at the Emirates and emerged victorious as they won by two goals to one. The Gunners have now won their first two games of the season for the first time in 10 years.
The home team opened the scoring early as Lacazette was able to turn with a defender just around his back and he slotted the ball past Nick Pope between his legs. Burnley might feel that the goal was slightly soft, but it was a great bit of forward play from the Frenchman. Burnley though didn’t let their heads down, and they kept threatening and finally got their reward just before half time as Ashley Barnes finished from close quarters. The Gunners though hit back and got the ball in the net, but it was disallowed just at half time.
Arsenal looked the dominant side, and they tested Pope on occasions. Aubameyang scored the second goal in the 64th-minute mark after Ceballos won the possession in midfield. Burnley applied some late pressure, but Emery’s men hung on to another three points.
Here is how Arsenal fared on the day.
Bernd Leno 5
Looked shaky while dealing with crosses. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal. Needs to be more dominant in his area.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 6.5
Not much to do and dealt with whatever came his way. Could be better in possession.
David Luiz 6.5
Comfortable game for the Brazilian as he wasn’t tested much defensively. Did a decent job in possession even though Arsenal looked vulnerable while playing from the back.
Nacho Monreal 7
Looked sharp on the left and provided with a fair bit of overlapping runs. Almost got an assist but the goal was chalked down due to a marginal offside.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6
Could have been better in possession as he was often wasteful. Provided an attacking option down the right.
Matteo Guendouzi 7
Moved the ball well. Didn’t have to deal with too much pressure in midfield. Unspectacular but steady. Always demanded the ball from his defenders, which showed his confidence.
Joe Willock 6.5
Sprayed some neat and tidy passes. Worked hard and provided a reasonable work rate.
Dani Ceballos 8.5
The Real Madrid loanee was probably the best man on the pitch. Every touch and pass was measured. Assisted two goals, impressive off the ball movement and just seemed to have great footballing awareness to find himself in space. Looks a top option.
Reiss Nelson 6
Took his goal well but was ruled offside. Showed some smart movement. Would be disappointed that he was subbed at half time but can’t blame Emery as he wanted to give big summer signing Pepe a go in the starting eleven.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang 6.5
Had to help Maitland-Niles in defence as he played in a not so preferred position starting on the right. Looked better in the second half when he shifted to the left and got the winner as he finished confidently.
Alexandre Lacazette 6.5
Smart finish for the first goal as he created something out of almost nothing. Led the line well as he made some excellent runs. Faded as the game went on.
Substitutes
Nicolas Pepe 6
Showed good moments and as well as some mediocre ones. Was direct in his approach and always willing to run with the ball.
Lucas Torreira N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
Sead Kolasinac 6
Provided fresh legs and energy on the pitch.
