5 talking points as Arsenal survive Burnley scare move level with Man City

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William Saliba celebrates with his team-mates after scoring for Arsenal against Burnley (Image: Getty Images)
William Saliba celebrates with his team-mates after scoring for Arsenal against Burnley (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after securing a 3-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners dominated possession during the first-half but didn't find a breakthrough until the stroke of half-time when Leandro Trossard bravely headed home. Josh Brownhill equalised for Vincent Kompany's visitors shortly into the second period, slamming the ball beyond David Raya via a deflection.

However, it didn't take Mikel Arteta's side long to go back in front as William Saliba tucked home Trossard's corner. Oleksandr Zinchenko added a third for the Gunners in the 74th minute to all but secure all three points, although Arsenal had to play the final seven minutes plus stoppage-time with 10 men after Fabio Viera's red card.

Here are six talking points from the Emirates Stadium.

Landmark Emirates goal

After struggling against a compact Burnley defence, Arsenal finally found the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time through that man Trossard. Oleksandr Zinchenko's cross was headed on by Saka into Trossard, who bravely headed the ball into the back of the net from close range. For his troubles, Trossard whacked into the post but he managed to get back up and played on.

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Trossard's strike, meanwhile, was a landmark one. It was the 1,000th goal Arsenal have scored at the Emirates since its opening in 2006. Gilberto Silva netted the first during a game against Aston Villa over 17 years ago.

5 talking points as Arsenal survive Burnley scare move level with Man CityLeandro Trossard scored Arsenal's 1000th goal at the Emirates (Getty Images)

Viera red card

Arsenal were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute after Viera was shown a straight red card for a poor challenge on Brownhill. The Arsenal midfielder, who had only just come on, caught his opponent on the shin, leaving referee Michael Oliver with no doubt but to send Viera off.

Viera is now set to miss the Gunners' next three top flight matches against Brentford, Wolves and Luton following the international break.

5 talking points as Arsenal survive Burnley scare move level with Man CityFabio Viera was shown a straight red card against Burnley (Getty Images)

Controversial decision

Arsenal fans were left unhappy after they saw an opening goal controversially ruled out. The Gunners thought they had taken the lead when Louis Beyer appeared to nod into his own net. However, it was chalked off after seemingly spotting a foul from Saka in the build-up.

Oliver felt Saka pushed Luca Koleosho before heading the ball back across goal. There weren't too many complaints from the Arsenal players, but fans across social media were furious - a week after Anthony Gordon's strike stood in Newcastle's win over the Gunners.

Havertz wasteful

Havertz has endured a difficult start to life at Arsenal since his £65million move from Chelsea in the summer. The German, who had scored one goal in 18 appearances prior to Saturday's game against Burnley, continued his dreadful run of scoring form after starting in a three-man midfield.

He was presented with his first opportunity of the match in the 23rd minute, with the ball falling into his path on the edge of the area but his effort was blocked. But Havertz should have done much better on the half hour mark after connecting with a Saka corner but he headed the ball over. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen forward was replaced by Viera on 60 minutes after struggling once again.

5 talking points as Arsenal survive Burnley scare move level with Man CityKai Havertz struggled for Arsenal against Burnley (Getty Images)

White blow

Having started in each of Arsenal's last 23 Premier League matches, Ben White's impressive top flight run came to an end against Burnley. White was left out of the matchday squad after failing to recover from suffering an injury against Sevilla in the Champions League.

However, this opened up the opportunity for Takehiro Tomiyasu to move into right-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko started on the left side of the back four. Gabriel and William Saliba formed the centre-back partnership, with Jakub Kiwior starting on the bench.

Where it leaves both teams

The victory for Arsenal leaves them level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. After last weekend's defeat at Newcastle, Arteta's side needed to win if they wanted to keep the pressure on the league leaders and they did just that, despite a spirited performance from Burnley.

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As for Burnley, they have now lost six successive top flight matches and remain inside the relegation zone. The Clarets have picked up just four points from 12 Premier League games so far this season, with their only victory coming away at Luton back in September.

Kieran King

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