Yesterday we faced a Burnley side who have so far only taken 1 point this season away from home. We started well, a flowing game with chances but there was some trepidation, perhaps last week was still in the mind of the players who had all sported “get well soon Aaron” t-shirts before kick off to accompany the numerous banners from fans around the ground.
The game was tighter than form would suggest, whilst Arsenal controlled much of the early possession there was little to show for it, the real flashpoint in the early exchanges was Theo’s reaction to having to jump away from a two footed challenge on him – good to see some mettle from young Theo. Scoring was opened by a sublime piece of play, a looping ball over the back four from just outside of the box by Nasri was collected by Cesc who had played the give-and-go and he was there to slot the ball through the ‘keepers legs. But his magic was overshadowed by being taken off shortly after, only 40 minutes into the game, and going straight down the tunnel.
The second half saw us have a bit more of an impression on the game Walcott created a number of chances for Bendtner but he didn’t have his shooting (or heading) boots on as they all went begging. The crowd however remained on his side, which I think is what is needed in this run in. But all our work was to be undone by a defensive lapse and Burnley equalised.
But the players got stuck in, Theo in particular was playing possibly the best game I have seen him play for us. He was running and playing some fantastic crosses from the right, but again Bendtner did not fully connect, but the next time Theo had a chance from the right he became Mr Selfish and cut across the box then rifled a left foot shot (yes his left) into the far corner. A sublime goal to cap a great performance.
Bendtner was replaced by Eduardo and he got a good amount of applause by the crowd and signalled his appreciation, I would say his equaliser against Stoke was ultimately more important, and more impressive, than any of the goals he should have scored today, his performance bar the misses was good.
But chances continued to be wasted, Eduardo and Arshavin as our other substitute had opportunities to put the game out of sight but didn’t, Burnley could have made it 2-2 but our blushes were saved by poor technique. A late injury time goal was smashed into the back of the net by Arshavin who was sporting a home-made haircut for the occasion.
So it was a victory, 3 points is all we need from our games from now on so we can’t be too picky how we get them I feel. Theo was outstanding today though and was my man of the match, he played brilliantly and I hope he can keep that up till the season end. After the game Arsene said that Cesc has a hamstring problem, the same side as the one he did against Villa, and it will be a late decision about Porto on Tuesday, I don’t think he will play. I would rather not risk him and hamper our title run-in. But we shall see.
However we are still right up there in the title race, 3rd but only a point off the top and equal on points with Chelsea who don’t have a league game this weekend.
