5 talking points from Arsenal 2-1 Burnley | Premier League 2019/20
In their second game of the season, Arsenal recorded a 2-1 victory over a very competitive Burnley side. The Gunners took the lead through an Alexandre Lacazette strike in the 13th minute. The goal came from a Dani Ceballos corner but in essence, the Frenchman created the goal himself as he held off two defenders to poke the ball past Nick Pope whilst falling to the ground. In response, Burnley’s persistence in attack would pay a dividend as Ashley Barnes would pounce on a deflected cross to stab the ball home from six yards out.
The second half followed the same pattern of Arsenal struggling to create chances while the Clarets continuously pumped long balls into the box. It was only in the 64th minute where a moment of brilliance from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang put the game to bed. For the first time in 10 years, Arsenal has won their opening two games of a league campaign.
Here are five talking points from Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Burnley.
#5 Nacho Monreal resurgence
Arsenal made it one of their number one priority to sign a left-back during the summer window. It was only on deadline day that the Gunners finally secured Kieran Tierney for £25million. With all that business and Emery’s supposed fondness of Sead Kolašinac, Nacho Monreal’s days were seemingly numbered at the Emirates. Instead, the Spaniard has started the first two games of the season and been named as one of Emery’s five captains.
Many felt that the 33-year-old’s time in North London was up, due to him being clearly past his best. In response, Monreal put in a solid shift against a relentless Burnley attack. The Spaniard completed 2 dribbles, 53 passes 3 of which were chances, won 5 aerial duels and made 5 clearances. The captain put in a performance that lead by example, especially in a team filled with youngsters.