Regardless of the history of Arsenal defeating Burnley in the last minute over since Burnley’s rise to the premier league, and that Alexis Sanchez has always either scored or assisted in those last minute wins, it still is nerve racking to watch a last minute penalty , three points at stake over a single kick ups the ante. The Goal keeper almost saved the penalty, however the pace that Sanchez had on the shot, made it go through!
Nerves of Steel
Alexis is a cool customer, when it comes to taking penalties. Since that penalty he took for Chile and landed them the Copa America in 2015, it is an established fact that he has nerves of steel!. Today against Burnley again those nerves of steel were at full display, with that extra time penalty against Burnley. While watching the game, the moment the referee pointed to the spot, Alexis was standing there, ready to take the penalty.
Even Game
With absence of Ozil, Arsenal lacked creativity in the midfield, Sanchez and Lacazette need Ozil to weave webs around the opponents defense. Today the forward moving game was often broken with a slightly overpowered or underpowered pass from Bellerin or Xhaka.
In first half, both sides had equal chances to score a goal, Ramsey missed one, and the shout for penalty in the second half was good. That moment it felt that Burnley might just ride off the Arsenal pressure and scrape through.
Penalty!
It is always risky in the stoppage minutes, the nervous energy is so much, and when the ball enters the six yard box, mistakes are bound to happen, and Burnley paid for the mistake. The main argument against the penalty is that Ramsey was probably not in contention for the ball, however a foul is a foul, and the referee’s position was quite good to observe the push. But like Sean Dyche said,” it is difficult for the statisticians to work out the odds on that!” after all again in the last minute Arsenal managed to get the result
Sean Dyche
Talking of Sean Dyche, you have to admit that he is a great manager. Taking a Burnley side and doing wonders with it, and this year with results against the likes of Chelsea, they are aiming for that Europa League spot definitely, and today were within striking distance of Top 4
Talking of top four, Arsenal are there, leapfrogging Spurs. These are good signs, Arsenal need to build up on that towards Christmas, create some stability in league position, as we all know the January transfer window is likely to be tumultuous. Ozil should get back in the squad, that will add creativity. However the key aspect of the league position, confidence. Players, fans alike would feel confident going forward, and a string of wins can get the atmosphere back at the stadium to the levels seen in the North London derby.
Go Gunners! Lets get the vibe back
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