Premier League: Arsenal were ruthless against Burnley
Burnley 0 - 5 Arsenal
Following Liverpool's win in the early game against Brentford, The Gunners knew they had to win this match and they duly obliged.
Following their 6-0 victory at West Ham last week, Arsenal were soon among the goals again, with captain Martin Odegaard opening the scoring after four minutes with a precise strike into the bottom corner following Gabriel Martinelli's pass.
Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot to double the lead after Lorenz Assignon fouled Leandro Trossard in the box.
Saka secured his second goal just after the restart as Arsenal maintained the pressure, seizing on a clever pass from Odegaard, cutting inside, and firing a shot into the roof of the net.
Havertz's scuffed effort was blocked in the box, but Trossard was alert to curl in his third goal in as many league games.
Jakub Kiwior's long throw down the line then found an unmarked Havertz, who slipped in behind the defence and drilled past home goalkeeper James Trafford to seal a comprehensive win for the Gunners.
Arsenal, who have scored 21 goals in five consecutive wins, are now two points behind leaders Liverpool, while Burnley remain in the relegation zone.
How good is Saka and can he help them win the league this season? Find out more here.
The Gunners have begun a calendar year with five consecutive league wins for the first time in their history and overwhelmed Burnley with their slick football.
Havertz consistently caused problems by finding pockets of space with his movement off the ball, while Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli interchanged in the box to pose a constant threat.
Odegaard led by example, scoring his first goal since December 2nd and providing the assist for Saka's second goal.
Saka has now scored in four consecutive league appearances for the first time in his career, scoring six goals across those four games, more than in his previous 19 league appearances.
"I wanted a hat-trick but I have to be patient"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 17, 2024
Bukayo Saka is still waiting for his first Premier League hat-trick after scoring twice in Arsenal's 5-0 win against Burnley 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t7sYorfqTa
Burnley were comprehensively beaten after a poor display at home, with manager Vincent Kompany watching despondently from the stands due to a touchline ban.
From Arsenal Fan TV. These fans are very confident that they can go and win the Premier League title. We’re Destroying Teams! (Lee Judges) | Burnley 0-5 Arsenal - YouTube
The Clarets did not attempt a shot on target in a match for the first time since Boxing Day and were under pressure from the opening minute.
Kompany's side has conceded 26 first-half goals in 25 games, more than any other team in the Premier League this season. They very rarely looked like avoiding a thrashing in this encounter.
Burnley's inability to cope with a long throw that led to Arsenal's fifth goal, as well as their failure to keep track of Havertz's movement into the box, highlighted their defensive struggles. This unfortunate sequence of events exemplifies Burnley's ongoing battle to avoid relegation, with them currently seven points adrift of safety in the league.
Adding to their woes, midfielder Aaron Ramsey endured a distressing moment as he was taken off on a stretcher following what appeared to be a significant knee injury. Oxygen was required to assist him, further compounding Burnley's difficulties on the field.
Arsenal fans are loving their away days at the moment
Heading home with all three points ✅
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 17, 2024
Check out the match report from a top afternoon at Turf Moor 👇
Some Arsenal fans were singing "are you West Ham in disguise" as those in claret and blue headed for the exit gates at Turf Moor.
@kabiruddin434 commented on the official highlights of the match: " 11 goals in the last 2 games. Arsenal are blowing away the other teams by destroying them and being clinical in front of goal. This team is slowly starting to cook."
The 2023/2024 Premier League title race
DJ, another Arsenal fan added: "A commanding impressive performance from Arsenal, totally dominate. We are looking very good at the moment, and I believe that we will win the Premier League title ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City. "
News and stories from Burnley and Turf Moor can be found here
Are Burnley fans excited about a return to the EFL?
After another heavy defeat, it's starting to appear that many fans of the Lancashire club no longer trust manager Vincent Kompany. They also mention that they would actually prefer a return to The Championship for one season.
Andrew Graves, a Burnley fan, told us: "I just want this to be over now, Get me back to The Championship as soon as possible. At least we'll win some matches!"
Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
