BURNLEY 1, ARSENAL 1
It was a game which had considerable incident to debate as Burnley picked up a valuable point against Arsenal in their battle for Premier League survival.
But it was a case of two carelessly squandered by the Gunners, something they can ill afford if they are to make an end-of-season charge for a top-four place.
Clarets’ keeper Nick Pope was at fault for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s early goal for Arsenal.
Granit Xhaba then made a howler for Burnley’s equaliser late in the opening half which lifted them seven points clear of the bottom three.
Step forward referee Andre Marriner whose award of a late penalty for Arsenal was dramatically overturned by VAR.
While the video assistant referee has come in for widespread criticism, this was a rare occasion when a wrong was overturned as substitute Erik Pieters did not handle Nicolas Pepe’s shot as he deflected in on the crossbar.
Embed from Getty ImagesBurnley manager Sean Dyche praised VAR for doing its job.
He said: “I’m a fan of VAR. We know it has to be streamlined, but that is where it’s worth it’s weight in gold.
“The referee couldn’t wait to get his red card out, although he is a very fine referee. That is what VAR is for.”
And of the game, he explained: “Overall, another good point against a good Arsenal side. We attempted to affect the game by pressing all match.
“We relied on the same group [as in previous games] and they were outstanding, the way they went after Arsenal for the whole 90 minutes.
“There wasn’t a lot in it in the first half, but our defending was exceptional, and we probably made the chance of the game, but their keeper made a good save.
“These sides contain some very good technical players who shift the ball quickly, so it’s not easy, but the mentality was good today. It has been a tough spell for us, but we hope to have the chance to get players fit now.
“I must commend the players again because the amount they have put in to ensure we get a result was very important.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “It’s a really tough place to come on a difficult pitch, but I have to say we should have scored the big chances we had.
“When you miss the chances we had, and you do not get decisions, it is complicated to win football games. If that is not a penalty, then someone needs to explain what one is.
“From what we produced, you have to come here and win. When you do not, you have to look at yourself. We completely dominated the first half, but they make it difficult with a lot of long ball.
“We should have won by two or three goals. if you give any hope to any team in the Premier League, they are going to take it.”
Burnley, who are now winless in four games, made one change from their midweek 1-1 draw with Leicester as Johann Gudmundsson deputised for the injured Jack Cork in midfield.
Phil Bardsley had to be content with a place on the bench to go alongside his new contract.
Aubameyang, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey all came back into Arsenal’s starting line-up.
Mikel Arteta made five changes from the 3-1 win at Leicester including a welcome return to the Premier League for Calum Chambers – his first appearance since December 2019 after a knee injury kept him out for an entire year.
Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette – both scorers in that victory over Leicester – were among those dropping to the bench.
Arsenal made a perfect start taking a sixth minute lead through Aubameyang’s 14th goal of the season, though with a helping hand from Pope.
Willian drove forward before finding the Gabon striker who made space for himself before firing low inside Pope’s near post.
Pope got a strong hand to the shot but it trickled into the net – he will be disappointed not to have kept it out.
Arsenal should have had the game won as Bukayo Saka fired agonisingly wide after playing a return pass with Aubameyang while Partey blazed over when well placed.
How Arsenal were made to pay for those misses as Burnley equalised in the 39th minute through a comical goal.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, playing the ball out from the back, found Xhaka who, under pressure from Matej Vydra, played a panic pass across the face of goal. It was aimed for David Luiz only for it to strike Chris Wood in the chest and rebound into an empty net.
It was Wood’s fifth goal of the season and he looked almost apologetic as he will never be gifted an easier goal. As for Xhaka he hates playing against Burnley as he was sent off against them at the Emirates in December.
Burnley, never in the game until that point, suddenly discovered a belief that had been lacking as Dwight McNeil droved in a low angled shot which Leno held on to well.
Martin Odegaard forced a decent save from Pope early in the second half before the game fell flat.
Arteta, sensing a need to raise the Gunners’ tempo, brought on Lacazete for Odegaard just after the hour, soon followed by Pepe replacing Willian.
Burnley had a shout for a penalty turned down after Vydra went down heavily under a challenge from Saka, but Marriner waved play on.
Arsenal also had a shout for a spot kick with Pepe claiming handball against Pieters.
Burnley suddenly enjoyed their best spell of the match.
A volley from Pieters was brilliantly turned over by Leno. Vydra headed just over from the resulting corner before Wood, clean through from Vydra’s cross, saw his shot blocked by Leno when he ought to have found the net.
Then late in the game, Arsenal made a storming finish as they went for a winner.
They were awarded an 84th minute penalty only for it to be taken away by VAR.
Pepe’s shot was deflected on to the bar by Pieters – he certainly had an eventful half-hour cameo with Mariner ruling it was handball and immediately produced a red card.
But replays showed the ball came off Pieter’s shoulder, so the decision was rescinded.
Then in the four minutes of stoppage time, Arsenal camped in the Burnley box and there were shots blocked while with virtually the last kick of the game substitute Dani Ceballos struck the upright as a fourth win in five games eluded them.