Morning all.
My goodness, my heart and mind went through the wringer during those 98 minutes. I didn’t expect Arsenal to coast to victory but I didn’t think the team would make it as difficult as they did. The starting eleven baffled me somewhat as neither Martin Zubimendi or Myles Lewis-Skelly were in the side. Added to that, Kai Havertz was given a start ahead of an in form Viktor Gyokeres.
Until he scored, I thought Havertz struggled, his passing left a lot to be desired and similar could be said about our captain. But, it’s not the right time to be overly critical I guess. Off the ball, I thought Leandro Trossard was stupid to get involved in a pushing incident which could so easily given Paul Tierney a decision to make and just what Havertz was thinking when he stuck his studs into the leg of Ugochukwu I don’t know. I’m surprised, shocked even that Tierney didn’t show him a straight red, let alone VAR not telling him to have another look.
That aside, one brilliantly delivered corner from Bukayo Saka was met by the head of Havertz with perfection. Our German midfielder/striker leaped high above anyone else and in a flash, we were ahead.
As North London Forever came to an end, the fans remained in full voice of support of this Arsenal team who needed a win against Burnley.
14 minutes in and Leandro Trossard hit a wonderful shot which had beaten the keeper with ease. Frustratingly, the ball clattered into the post and back into play. Ebe Eze was the next to try his luck as his knocked the ball up and hit it on the turn but it was soft and straight into the arms of the Burnley keeper. Next up was Bukayo Saka who hit a cross which nearly found the back of the net.
Just after the half hour mark, Havertz played a nice pass from the right into Saka and just as he looked like opening the scoring, he was challenged by Pires. (no, not that one) I thought it was a foul because otherwise, Saka would have buried it but Tierney disagreed and so did VAR. Less than five minutes later, Havertz headed home the only goal of the game. The Emirates faithful went bonkers, as did Mikel Arteta on the sidelines. Rightly so I hasten to add.
Just before halftime, Saka whipped in a lovely curling shot with his left foot but it didn’t bend enough and the ball drifted past the far post.
Any thoughts of extending our lead proved to be optimistic because the second half was quite bitty. Eze played a poor pass which Anthony pounced on before firing a long shot over the top of David Raya’s crossbar then shortly after, Eze was involved at the other end with a mishit shot hit into the ground before bouncing up and hitting the bar.
Then came the Havertz challenge and soon after he was replaced by the industrious Viktor Gyokeres. To be fair to Burnley, they gave it a bit of a go in the second half but in amongst it was a high boot on Saka and a challenge on Raya in added time which left him in a heap.
The final whistle really couldn’t come quick enough but by the time Tierney finally blew for full time, Mikel Merino, Ben White and Jurrien Timber had hobbled down to the sidelines to be with their teammates. A lap of appreciation, a few words from Mikel Arteta and it was all over. Our last home fixture of the 2025/26 season was done, dusted and three points in the bank.
If Man City slip up tonight, then brilliant but if not, this group of players will need do it all over again on Sunday. I’m not sure my heart will cope..
Lastly, writing in the match day programme, both Stan and Josh Kroenke had a message for the fans:
We will give everything we’ve got to win major trophies and you can rest assured that everyone at the club will continue the hard work to make the coming weeks unforgettable. We couldn’t have reached this point without the incredible support and backing you have given us once again, and we know you will create another electric atmosphere here tonight.
The connection we feel with our supporters fills us with pride. Between us, we are building something very special and, wherever this month of May takes us, there will be no standing still when the season ends.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning Gooners, morning Rico, nice report, I lost my internet connection yesterday and had to suffer TalkSport and the BBC website on my phone.
I later on saw some highlights and yes we should have had a penalty,
so 1-0 becomes 2-0,
and with a bit of luck Trossard’s shot comes back off of the post,
hits the goalkeeper and goes in,
so 3-0.
Therefore our win might have been more convincing, but that won’t stop the haters pumping out a negative narrative about our win, but didn’t City only manage a 1-0 win against Burnley recently?
1953, 1971, 1989, all went to the wire, we rarely stroll to a league title so this scenario isn’t a new experience.
Good morning Rico.
Was that you or Kev with the up-summing? Either way it’s five star rated.
Heart in the mouth it may have been but in all honesty Burnley offered very little in the way of attacking football. Aside, that is from a couple of wild shots and a red card worthy assault on Raya.
Fair enough, we got the three points so criticism is inappropriate but I hope Arteta and his crew take a close look his selection options for the final two games
As to the Guardiola departure, I think he has a good idea what’s coming down the 150 charges road. A case of rat leaving sinking ship?
Morning Kev, Cicero, all.
Thanks guys.
Lady luck was definitely with us as far as Havertz goes but not in other ways…
I didn’t like that starting eleven either Cicero, I’m sure we won’t see similar on Sunday.
Really hope Bournemouth can get something from their game tonight..
Maresca is reported to have agreed a three year City deal.
I find the timing of the Guardiola “leak” rather amusing.