Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauded his team's first-half performance in their 2-0 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, calling it "one of the best" since he took charge in 2019. The win extends the Gunners' lead at the top of the Premier League and marks their ninth consecutive win in all competitions.
Arsenal dominated the first half, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice securing a comfortable lead. Gyokeres opened the scoring in the 14th minute, heading in from a well-worked corner routine involving Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes. Rice doubled the advantage in the 35th minute with a powerful header following a counter-attack. Arsenal had further chances to extend their lead, with Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka twice denying Bukayo Saka.
"We started the game exceptionally well. I think the first half is one of the best that we've played, scored two goals, generated another two or three big chances and conceded nothing," Arteta said. He also noted the team's defensive solidity, stating, "And that was a platform, because in the second half we dropped the standards, especially with the ball, and with our intentions to play more forward. But again, defensively, we were exceptional".
Arsenal's win also showcased their strength from set-pieces, with Gyokeres' goal marking their league-leading 12th set-piece goal this season, excluding penalties. Arteta praised Gyokeres' overall performance, highlighting it as "one of the best games that he's played for us". However, the Swedish striker was substituted at half-time due to a muscle strain, making him doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League game against Slavia Prague. "He felt something muscular so we have to wait to learn the extent of that," Arteta explained.
In the second half, Arsenal controlled the game effectively, preventing Burnley from creating any clear-cut chances. Burnley's first shot on target came in the 73rd minute, and a late free-kick from substitute Marcus Edwards hit the post. Although Burnley saw more of the ball after the break, they struggled to break down Arsenal's defense.
Arteta acknowledged the change in the game's dynamic after halftime, saying, "We had to make a few changes and didn't have that much control in the second half". Despite the drop in standards after the break, Arsenal's defense remained strong, securing their seventh consecutive clean sheet.
The victory puts Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League. Their next Premier League match is against Sunderland next weekend. Meanwhile, Burnley's defeat leaves them in 17th place, four points above the relegation zone.
