Burnley 0-1 Arsenal
by Layth Yousif
at Turf Moor

IT MAY not have been pretty at times, but Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor was heartily enjoyed by manager Mikel Arteta and the thousands of vociferous travelling fans.

Martin Odegaard’s sublime winning goal from a 30 yard free-kick on the half hour settled Saturday’s match, a fiery clash on and off the pitch, but the resilience and tenacity the previously beleaguered Gunners displayed was just as satisfying for Arsenal fans.

Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal backline caught the eye with his solidity, physicality, excellent positioning and aerial dominance, while Thomas Partey displayed a Stakhanovite work ethic in the heart of battle, as did the bustling Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who replaced the former Atletico Madrid midfielder late on, spent after giving his all.