For the neutral observer, it was a difficult watch. If Premier League titles were awarded based on style of play, Arsenal would certainly be lower down the pecking order. However, Mikel Arteta will not care one bit. Arsenal secured another three points against Burnley through the method that has saved them countless times this season.
Set-Piece Record Equalled
Kai Havertz's header from a Bukayo Saka corner marked Arsenal's 19th Premier League game this season in which they scored from a set-piece (excluding penalties). This equals the joint-record for a team in a 38-game season. Now, they are just one step away from becoming league champions after a 22-year drought.
A tense night at the Emirates encapsulated what Arsenal have managed to do all season: grind out victories by any means necessary. Doing this consistently across a campaign disproves the notion that the Gunners have fluked their wins or are unworthy of top spot. No other team, even those who have also mastered set-pieces, has been able to replicate this feat.
The '1-0 to the Arsenal' days of George Graham are reminiscent of today's Arsenal—doing just enough to win before focusing on the next game.
Nervy Victory
They do not make it easy, though. With only a one-goal cushion, the nerves in the stands were palpable. Statistics show Burnley failed to register a single shot on target, yet they still looked lively at times and played like a team determined to cause a seismic shift in the title race. Arsenal themselves managed just two shots on target, but Havertz's goal was enough—and should, you would think, set the Gunners on course for the title.
Arteta's Lucky Escape
Arteta has been vocal about refereeing decisions this season. When Abdukodir Khusanov escaped punishment for pulling Havertz back in Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Arsenal last month, Arteta was incensed. A week later, against Newcastle, he complained that Nick Pope should have been sent off for fouling Viktor Gyokeres when he was nearly through on goal. However, after what Havertz got away with tonight, Arteta will feel like a lucky man.
On 68 minutes, Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu with his studs above the ankle in a reckless tackle full of danger. This left the home crowd sheepish, and Arsenal players showing signs of worry about what VAR would decide. Somehow, a yellow card was deemed suitable punishment. After the VAR drama against West Ham last weekend, you can bet Arteta will stay quiet on refereeing decisions—for now, at least.
Gyokeres' Impact
With Arsenal protecting a one-goal lead, Arteta brought on Viktor Gyokeres after 71 minutes. He immediately became the battering ram that helped secure the result. The way he pressured the backline, charged into players, and held the ball up when needed exemplified how much Gyokeres has grown in an Arsenal shirt. Those tough first few months in north London are fully behind him—and so are the fans.
One of the biggest cheers of the night came from Gyokeres winning a throw-in late on after hassling a Burnley player near the touchline. The fans now have an appreciation for a man they once groaned at for being a weak link in the frontline. His evolution is a credit to the Swede's willingness to adapt to Arteta's system.
Arteta's Bournemouth Hope
Arteta could not hide his feelings about Bournemouth's match against Manchester City tonight. He joked that he is the 'biggest-ever' Bournemouth fan, aware that if Pep Guardiola's men drop points against the Cherries, the Gunners will be confirmed as champions. When asked if he will be a Bournemouth fan for 24 hours, Arteta said: 'The biggest ever! For Andoni (Iraola) and all the players and all the people that support Bournemouth. I think we are all (fans) because we know that that means that tomorrow if get a result for us.'
It would be a full-circle moment, with Arteta's childhood friend Andoni Iraola doing him a huge favour. Football works in funny ways.
