Arsenal - Paul Merson
Image credit: Getty Images
Paul Merson has hailed Arsenal as an “efficient machine” and admitted the Gunners “look unbeatable” following their dominant Premier League victory over Burnley.
Mikel Arteta’s men cruised to a 2-0 win at Turf Moor, with first-half strikes from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice extending their impressive run to five consecutive league victories and nine straight wins across all competitions.
Defensively, Arsenal continue to set remarkable standards, they have conceded just three goals all season and Saturday’s clean sheet marked their seventh in succession, leaving them one shy of equalling the club’s all-time record.
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The result also pushed the Gunners seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Speaking onSky Sports, former Arsenal midfielder Merson was full of admiration for Arteta’s side, insisting their current form makes them a nightmare for any rival. “At the moment, Arsenal look unbeatable,” Merson said.
Arsenal stars Viktor Gyokeres with Declan Rice
Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice were both on target for Arsenal in 2-0 win over Burnley (Image credit: Getty Images)
“They defend so well. Apart from the free-kick that hit the post with the last kick, Burnley never looked like scoring.
“Everything that comes into the box is cleared. They head everything and they have two defenders that want to defend, and two full-backs that want to stop crosses. Then there’s Declan Rice. He wouldn’t have been far off a 10 out of 10 against Burnley. He just doesn’t stop all game. It was a phenomenal performance.”
Merson, however, expressed some concern over Arsenal’s second-half display following the withdrawal of Gyokeres through injury. “My only worry for Arsenal is they looked a completely different side when Viktor Gyokeres was forced off. They were nowhere near the same team,” he noted.
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“Mikel Merino came on and he knitted the play together well, but they never really got up the pitch and threatened in the second half.”
Despite that dip, Merson was quick to emphasise the balance and depth within Arteta’s squad, praising their blend of structure and skill.
“Right now they are a well-oiled machine with a lot of talent in that machine, and that is very unusual,” he said. “They are an efficient machine but have so much talent. That is not a good cocktail for everyone else.”
Arsenal will look to continue their fine form when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday to face a resurgent Sunderland side in their next Premier League outing.
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