Premier League: Arsenal vs Burnley Player Ratings

Arsenal vs Burnley. Turf Moor. This one sent me over the edge. I’ll try to keep this family friendly.

Mikel Arteta – 7

Interesting lineup. Not resting Saka, starting Chambers – wasn’t expected. Game plan worked well for 40 minutes… but there is 50 more in a match.

Bernd Leno – 8.5

Commanding in defence. Aggressive on crosses. Saved us from a loss multiple times. Anyone who thinks he is responsible for the conceded goal can go buy a Tottenham shirt and support the other side of London.

Callum Chambers – 8

Back in the team after a long period of time. Terrific. Anticipated through balls, crosses, dribbles – absolutely solid at the back. Unlucky to not turn in the shot in the last minute.

David Luiz – 7.5

Also did well in defence. Good in possession, solid at the back, good awareness and presence in the box. Another good game.

Pablo Mari – 7.5

Was excited to see him back in the team. Deserved the spot and was terrific. Classy in possession, silenced the physical presences of Wood and Vydra. Would like to see more of him.

Kieran Tierney – 8

Excelled in the second half when no one else would. Seemed a bit quiet throughout the rest of the game however. Solid in defence and in possession, unlucky to not contribute to a goal.

Granit Xhaka – 3

Granit Xhaka vs Burnley. Never goes well. Absolutely abysmal. The most mistakes leading to goals since arriving in the league (8). So solid recently. So so poor today.

Thomas Partey – 7

Good to see him back in the side. Carried the ball well for the first goal. Transitioned possession efficiently, apart from sections in the second half. Would like to see him in the lineup more, if injuries will allow it.

Bukayo Saka – 6

Had chances. Couldn’t convert. As simple as that. An inch too poor today.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Seemed unconfident in possession. Had opportunities to hurt Burnley but couldn’t do so. Still no goal contribution in a red shirt.

Willian – 8

Class. Picked up the ball well. Was quick with it at his feet, highly efficient with passing. Good assist to make it 4 in 3 games and 6 for the season: Arsenal’s top provider… somehow.

Aubameyang – 7.5

Great goal. Could’ve and maybe should’ve had another. Tough break at times but is extremely efficient when cutting inside. Our top choice at the moment.

Nicolas Pepe – 4

Preferred foot. Ball rolling at a casual pace. Perfectly balanced. 8-10 yards out. How on earth does a £72m professional football player mess it up that much.

VAR – 0.5

In the last week of football, VAR has made game changing mistakes throughout the following matches due to the handball rule.

1. Callum Hudson-Odoi vs Manchester United

2. Ngolo Kante vs Liverpool

3. Lemina vs Tottenham

4. Peters vs Arsenal

I now understand why fans get so outraged. Eric Peters has replicated the shape of a Boeing 737 with the way his arms were outstretched. The fact that he winks at his teammates knowing he has gotten away with murder does not help at all. An outstretched arm at a perpendicular angle from the body is not a natural position. The fact that Arteta was muted in his press conference when he brought it up tells you everything you need to know.

VAR needs to go.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Bernd Leno – 8.5

Whoever had the idea to sign him needs to be knighted.