Continuing what has been a sensational run of form, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table by claiming a routine 2-0 win at Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Now almost universally regarded as the leading title contender this season, it didn’t take long for the Gunners to open the scoring here when big-money summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres fired home after 14 minutes.
Now seven points clear of the chasing group, England international Declan Rice doubled Arsenal’s lead 10 minutes before half-time and essentially wrapped up the game before the half-time whistle.
With no English elite side having recorded more goals from open play so far this season, Mikel Arteta’s side could not have asked for a more routine afternoon in Lancashire.
As for Burnley, despite failing to claim an iconic Premier League title here and making it three top-flight wins in a row, Saturday’s hosts will be more than aware that easier tests await them in the future.
On an afternoon that saw Arsenal further underline their title credentials, we take a look at the main talking points from Turf Moor.
Arsenal extend their lead at the top
While Arsenal might have been forced to settle for another silverware last season as they finished the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, the Gunners knew they had a lot of pressure on their shoulders this time around.
However, embarking on what has been a sensational run and barely having to drop out of third gear, Arteta’s men are considered the main title contenders this season.
Looking to claim their first domestic crown since 2004, Arsenal have won their previous nine consecutive appearances in all competitions.
With the atmosphere in north London red hot, Arteta’s high-flying side have continued to shine either side of the October international break and established another title here.
Possibly the fittest club in all of Europe and having suffered just one defeat in any competition since the new campaign opened, it remains to be seen if anyone can stop the Gunners this season.
Defensive steel will win Arsenal’s title this season
While former Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres might have scored his first Premier League goal here since September 13, the key part of Arsenal’s success has undoubtedly been their sensational defensive steel.
With William Saliba passing a late fitness test and partnering Gabriel at the heart of Arteta’s Lancashire defence, Saturday’s guests have earned a fearsome reputation for their defensive dominance.
Given that Burnley did not register a single shot on target here, Arsenal have surprisingly only scored three Premier League goals in their first 10 appearances.
Likewise, the Gunners, who comfortably boast the best defensive tally among England’s elite, have also conceded just one goal from open play in any competition so far this season.
The leading title contenders, who were completely untested on Saturday afternoon, have also emerged unscathed from their last seven consecutive outings on all fronts.
Easter exams await Burnley
While Burnley may have failed to pull off a major Premier League upset here, Scott Parker’s men will be more than aware that easier tests await them in the future.
By snatching what was a sensational last-gasp 3-2 victory against a Wolves team at the heart of a public nightmare, the former Burnley boss has seen his team win plenty of plaudits.
Despite only returning to the top flight this season, the Premier League newcomers have picked up six points from their previous three appearances.
Marking their return from the October international break with what could prove to be a season-defining 2-0 home win against Leeds, Parker’s side currently hold a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Simply happy to see the back of the runaway Premier League leaders, Burnley will be looking for an immediate response next weekend when they travel to West Ham, another relegation candidate.
Match report
Burnley: Dubravka, Walker, Laurent, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartman, Cullen, Fiorentino, Ugochukwu, Anthony, Flemming
Substitutes: Mejbri, Tchaouna, Edwards, Bruun Larsen, Broja
Arsenal: Raya, Wood, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres
Substitutes: Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Norgaard
Goals: Gyokeres (14′), Rice (35′)
Yellow cards: Burnley: Flemming, Cullen – Arsenal: Gabriel
Red cards: N/A
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
