Back at The Emirates, and we entertain an already relegated Burnley side. Sometimes, the teams with nothing to play for, are the hardest to beat.
I don’t imagine that being the case tonight though. It’s time to rack up the goal difference!!
I want to see ALL guns blazing!
It’s time to burn away talk of our trophy drought, burn the “Bottlers” narrative, burn the “This manager can’t get this team over the line” rhetoric. Set ablaze to all banter we’ve suffered, over the last few years! It’s time to burn it aaaaaaall down! Let’s burn baby burn… against Burnley, and take a step closer, to the holy grail.
The Arsenal need to approach the game professionally, and embrace the pressure. This is our time, on our ground, in front of our fans… and our rewards, are within touching distance.
A penultimate cup final to navigate, and navigate it… we WILL!
It’s very simple, we win our last 2 games, we’re champions. CHAMPIONS!! A word that just sounds right, in a sentence… with Arsenal.
The starting lineup was Raya in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Gabriel and Saliba central, and Mosquera at right-back.
In the midfield it was Odegaard, Rice, and Eze… and up front, it was… Trossard on the left, Havertz through the middle, and Saka on the right.
Personally, I wanted to see Myles Lewis-Skelly in the midfield again… but Odegaard played well in his cameo against West Ham, and earned a start.
The fans got to the stadium early, and created a great atmosphere to greet the coach… just like they did before the Atletico Madrid game. It was beautiful… and the stage was set, for an emphatic Arsenal win.
The match kicked off to inspiring noise from the home fans. Songs of encouragement, war cries to reinforce bravery within the players. Roars of support, to cement their mental toughness.
We started the match well, and were moving the ball around confidently, and effortlessly. Our movement, and forward passing, was a joy to behold.
Burnley expected this onslaught though, and sat deep in their defensive shape… like many other visiting teams, at the Emirates before them.
They made it difficult, kept space to a minimum, and seemed determined to spoil the Arsenal party.
We were the much better team, which you’d expect from a team at the top, against an already relegated team… however, the 3 points were far from a foregone conclusion.
The Arsenal controlled the game, dominated possession, but the much needed opening goal… still eluded us.
Our fans still sang loudly, but underneath the melodic football chants… an anxious undertone could be heard. There was A LOT riding on this game, and everyone in attendance knew it.
Emotions needed to be managed, in order for us to get the desired result.
We earned a corner in the 37th minute, that was taken by Bukayo Saka.
He whipped in a great ball, that Kai Havertz rose highest to meet. His head made perfect contact, and he glanced it in. A perfectly timed run, and jump, paid dividends. 1-0 to the Arsenal!! I was really happy for Havertz, as he’s had such an injury plagued season… so scoring such an important goal, must’ve been so satisfying for him.
The celebrations were loud, and long… and the relief could be felt throughout the stadium.
It was a good time to score too, as half-time was near.
The Gunners tried to increase the lead, but were unable to. We went in 1-0 up at the half-time whistle.
When the curtain raised for the second half, there was no change to Burnley’s defensive shape, and the longer the scoreline remained only 1-0, the more the anxiety, and nervousness… intensified.
Nerves were now visible in our play, so the crisp, incisive passing, and intelligent movement… had now abandoned us.
Our defensive solidity was unquestionable, but more was needed from our attackers.
We had some nearly moments, but all it did was add to the frustration, and increase heart rates.
I have no idea why my beloved Arsenal, would take pleasure in playing with my health in this way.
In the 73rd minute, Arteta decided that he’d seen enough, and changes were made.
Lewis-Skelly replaced Eze, Gyokeres came on for Havertz, and Calafiori made way for Hincapie.
Burnley though, were still reluctant to commit players forward, so space was still non-existent, the crowd were still anxious, and the players were still nervous.
All that matters is the result, the manner in which we perform, can go on the backburner. We’re at the business end of the season, and us doing the business… is paramount.
What looked to be a wonderful footballing spectacle in the first half, turned into an ugly scrap in the trenches, in the second half.
Breaks in play, deliberate fouls, sloppy passing, and nearly moments… became the main focal points of the game.
As the minutes on the clock ticked away agonisingly slowly, coupled with us not adding to our goal tally… the possibility of an upset increased.
Burnley though, still failed to trouble our defensive line… and I had come to terms with the fact that we weren’t going to score more goals.
We hit the post, should’ve had a penalty, and Havertz could’ve been sent off for an extremely clumsy challenge… However, more importantly… we saw the game out. We took all precious 3 points. Once again, 1-0 to The Arsenal was enough!!
A hard fought, ugly, bruising victory… put the pressure back on to Mancheatster City.
The Gunners showed incredible battling qualities, and presented more examples, that we’re more determined than ever… to win this league.
Who was your man of the match?
What would your starting 11 be, to face Crystal Palace?
Who is your player of the season?
Let me know in the comments as usual. COYG!!
Please check out my YouTube channel: @Gunnersayit
Also check out my TikTok: @gunnersayit.com
gunnersayit.com 
Leave a comment