Mikel Arteta labelled Arsenal’s first half show in Saturday’s 2-0 win towards Burnley as “probably the greatest” in his reign because the Premier League pace-setters prolonged their lead on the high.
Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice bagged first-half targets at Turf Moor to provide Arsenal a ninth successive win in all competitions.
The Gunners’ interval benefit would have been extra commanding however for 2 saves from Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who twice denied Bukayo Saka.
Arteta rated it as the primary opening 45 minutes of his spell as Arsenal boss, which started in 2019.
“We began the sport exceptionally nicely. I believe the primary half is without doubt one of the finest that we have performed, scored two targets, generated one other two or three massive probabilities and conceded nothing,” he stated.
“And that was a platform, as a result of within the second half we dropped the requirements, particularly with the ball, and with our intentions to play extra ahead. However once more, defensively, we had been distinctive.”
Burnley failed to put a glove on the north Londoners, with their first effort on aim coming via Florentino Luis’ header within the 73rd minute earlier than substitute Marcus Edwards’ free-kick hit a put up deep in stoppage time.
Gyokeres struck the opener from a nook as Arteta’s facet additionally prolonged their league-leading set-piece targets tally this season, excluding penalties, to 12.
He was singled out for particular reward by Arteta after ending a five-game aim drought within the league.
However the Sweden striker might be uncertain for Tuesday’s Champions League sport at Slavia Prague after being changed at half-time on account of a muscle pressure.
“I believe it was probably the greatest video games that he is performed for us,” Arteta stated of the summer time signing from Sporting Lisbon.
“Total, his efficiency was distinctive, other than the aim, and we needed to take him off as a result of he was feeling a bit of niggle, muscular.
“His excessive press, his positioning and his touches, his threading in behind, the way in which he linked play, the way in which he will get us from this example to transition.
“He was in a very good second. It is a disgrace that he felt one thing.”
