Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Not a pretty victory for Arsenal
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard (second left) celebrates scoring against Burnley

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.

Yet it was keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s name the visiting fans sang at the end of the game in recognition of his safe handling, excellent organisational skills, good distribution and steadfast refusal to be bowed, as the Gunners continued on the long road back to respectability after such a disappointing start to the Premier League season.

Three defeats on the bounce, including an abject 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium last month raised serious questions about the long-term future of Arteta. As it was, the main casualty was previous goalkeeping incumbent Bernd Leno, following a series of less-than-convincing displays.

Ramsdale’s insertion for a much-needed 1-0 victory over Norwich at Ashburton Grove last weekend was followed by another impressive showing between the sticks, as the entire Gunners side displayed grit and character, guts, pride and determination in this unforgiving Lancashire citadel.

A testy affair that ended in unsavoury scenes when fans clashed in the Cricket Field Stand at the final whistle, with bottles and other objects thrown, had started with boos from a number of Burnley supporters abusing black footballers for having the temerity to take the knee in calling for an end to racism.

A number of Arsenal fans told this reporter that following the trouble at the culmination of the game, a number of Clarets had taken to spitting at visiting fans, and there were also accusations that an element among the Burnley fans had also booed their new black player, Ivory Coast signing Maxwel Cornet, when he came on to make his club debut.

No wonder there was scant sympathy from neutrals for the home side’s plight when referee Anthony Taylor rescinded a late penalty. In the match’s pivotal moment, the official had mistakenly awarded a spot-kick to the home side for Ramsdale’s bid to deal with an errant Ben White backpass as Matej Vydra bore down on him.

It was clear that Ramsdale had primarily made contact with the ball rather than the Burnley man, with VAR sending Taylor to think again in front of the pitchside monitor.

With the clock ticking down, in front of a raucous home crowd, many of the Arsenal persuasion feared the worst after perceived unfair treatment at the hands of the video technology last season. But the official made the correct decision and changed his mind, and Arsenal held on.

“It’s not a major surprise with our penalty record., I must say the keeper does get a touch on it, I’ve seen it back, so in theory that doesn’t get given,” admitted Clarets boss Sean Dyche.

No wonder a relieved Arteta said: “It was a hard-fought victory at a really tough place. You have to be ready for a fight. In the first half we had some really good periods when we were really dominant and should have scored more goals. In the second half we gave the ball away cheaply too many times.

“We have players who are not at their strength playing in this type of game, but they did their best and we got the win. I’m very proud of them defensively and I’m really pleased with the win.”

While the overturned penalty was a signal for Arsenal to dig even deeper, it was also a cue for Burnley supporters to start throwing objects into the away end, with a handful returning the favour as supporters increasingly goaded each other toward the unseemly flashpoint at the end of the game.

While there may be repercussions from the authorities after Tannoy calls to exit the stadium went unheeded during the battle at the end, Arsenal and their travelling support will care not a jot as they headed back south with three vital points in the bag.

With hoped-for progress in the League Cup possible from a home tie against League One AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday, the north London derby in N5 looms large next weekend.

No wonder Arteta said: “It’s two wins in a row, two clean sheets. Let’s go again. We have a lot to catch up.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Manchester United's Victor Lindelof (centre) in action during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday May 4, 2025
Men's Football / 5 May 2025
5 May 2025
An Arsenal branded corner flag
Men’s football / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

In the shadow of Heathrow and glow of Thorpe Park, a band of Arsenal loyalists have built something lasting — a grassroots club with old-school values, writes LAYTH YOUSIF

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard (left) and Paris Saint Germain's Achraf Hakimi battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League semi final, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 29, 2025
Men’s football / 30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Arsenal goal
Men's Football / 25 April 2025
25 April 2025

A point apiece at the Emirates with both Arsenal and Palace looking distracted by forthcoming semi-finals 

Similar stories
Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus scores their side's third goal of th
Men’s Football / 19 December 2024
19 December 2024
A general view of the action as the sun shines through a gap
Men’s Football / 6 October 2024
6 October 2024
Atalanta's Matteo Retegui (right) has a penalty saved by Ars
Men’s football / 20 September 2024
20 September 2024