Here is how football.london rated the Arsenal player performances against Burnley in the Premier League
22:01, 18 May 2026
Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta during the game
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Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta during the game
Match point to Arsenal. The biggest win of Mikel Arteta’s side’s season so far gives them a big advantage, which puts the pressure on Manchester City, who must win at Bournemouth, or they will surrender the Premier League title.
The Gunners took the lead as Kai Havertz, picked in something of a surprise call, headed in from a Bukayo Saka corner. But as the second half started, the home side’s nerves were no doubt on show, and mistakes began to creep into the game.
There were two highly controversial calls, the first a tackle on Bukayo Saka in the box, which did not receive a penalty decision, and a red card claim on Kai Havertz – both calls potentially made incorrectly on the night.
But despite the nerves the Gunners held on and now must face the anxious wait to see if Bournemouth will do them a massive favour, handing them the crown.
Here is how football.london rated the Arsenal player performances:
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David Raya – Any chances that Burnley had were mainly struck high over his bar, but remained focused and calm throughout. 6
Cristhian Mosquera – Spaniard is the pick for now. His connection with Saka was the main test for him, and the initial signs proved positive. However, there were some poor mistakes in the second half as the pressure grew, giving the ball away cheaply, allowing Burnley opportunities. 7
William Saliba – Made the mistake inside his own box, offering Burnley a chance in the second half as the nerves began to grow. Otherwise stood up well to the challenges he faced. 7
Gabriel – Had to be the defensive calm that was needed, and make up for some of the mistakes being made around him. 8
Riccardo Calafiori – Playing effectively as a midfielder, the Italian was popping up everywhere. 7
Declan Rice – The metronome of the Arsenal midfield rather than the rampaging box-to-box man of much of the season. Rice was pulling the strings from deep and had to add composure in the second half when the temperature was beginning to rise, as were the presence of nerves. 8
Martin Odegaard – Had the chance to score the opener from the edge of the box but found the shot blocked by Ugochukwu. Often urged to shoot on the edge of the box, but instead opted for some typical chipped passes that wouldn’t come off. 7
Martin Odegaard looks set to lead Arsenal to the title
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Martin Odegaard looks set to lead Arsenal to the title
Eberechi Eze – Had a volleyed effort from the edge of the box, collected calmly by Weiss. Very nearly made a key error, giving the ball to Jaidon Anthony, but thankfully was let off after the resulting shot went over. Had another good chance when Mosquera crossed for him to volley into the ground and onto the bar. Shortly after, Havertz’s cross found the midfielder again, but his header was well blocked. 7
Bukayo Saka – After arguably being denied what looked like a clear penalty, the winger provided the corner minutes later to put his side in front. After some brilliant work combining with Havertz and Odegaard, a chipped cross nearly forced a mistake, but no one was there to tap in. 8
Kai Havertz – In what was a surprise choice at centre-forward, Mikel Arteta picked the German international in order to improve breaking down the Burnley back line. But it was from a classic set-piece which broke the deadlock as Kai Havertz headed past the keeper. But he was perhaps lucky to stay on the field of play after a high challenge on the back of Lesley Ugochukwu’s leg. 8
Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates
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Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Leandro Trossard – In what was the best chance of the opening stages, the Belgian smashed a shot against the post. He was buzzing about the left-hand side, but Kyle Walker stood up well to him. 7
Substitutes:
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Came on to add more energy and cover in the midfield after Eze’s mistakes. 6
Viktor Gyokeres – Had big calls for a penalty waved away after going down in a duel with the Burnley keeper. Had some great energy and got the crowd on their feet after winning a big duel. 7
Piero Hincapie – Offered a lot more overlap than the man he replaced down the left. 6
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Gabriel Martinelli – Came on late to help see out the game. n/a
Martin Zubimendi – Came on late to help see out the game. n/a