Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Viktor Gyokeres was forced off at half-time as Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley to maintain their grip on the Premier League summit.
The Gunners produced another composed and professional display at Turf Moor, extending their remarkable run of clean sheets to seven across all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side were in control from the outset and never looked in danger of surrendering their lead.
It took just 14 minutes for Arsenal to break the deadlock. Declan Rice’s corner was flicked on by Gabriel Magalhaes, allowing Gyokeres to nod home from close range and put the visitors in front.
The Sweden international was equally instrumental in the move that sealed the win 10 minutes before half-time. Bursting forward on the counter, he released a precise pass to Leandro Trossard on the flank. The Belgian delivered a pinpoint cross that found Rice, who powered an unstoppable header into the net.
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Having finally ended his six-game Premier League goal drought, Gyokeres would have been eager to build on his momentum in the second half. However, the striker did not return after the break, with Mikel Merino taking his place.
“In the first half was one of the best he’s played with us,” said Arteta. “I think overall his performance was exceptional; he was part of the first goal. We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle, muscular, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Viktor Gyokeres goal celebration
Viktor Gyokeres scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Burnley (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta also confirmed that Martin Zubimendi also requested to be substituted after feeling discomfort. “He felt something muscular so we have to wait to learn the extent of that.”
Reflecting on the team’s overall display, Arteta was full of praise for his side’s first-half dominance. “The first half was exceptional, we scored two goals and gave nothing away. That was the platform,” he said.
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“We had to make a few changes and didn’t have that much control in the second half. Defending was exceptional again, we didn’t give anything. There is a reason they have lost one game in 18 months here, against Liverpool in the last second of the game.”
The Arsenal manager also singled out Rice for his commanding performance in midfield, highlighting the England international’s growing influence. “He stepped up,” said Arteta. “He won I don’t know how many balls and tackles. It’s the evolution of a player.”
With another clean sheet, two clinical goals, and a professional display, Arsenal once again demonstrated their title credentials though Arteta will now anxiously await updates on Gyokeres’ fitness.
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