Arsenal Vs Burnley: North London derby worth nothing without win

Arsenal were magnificent in last weekend’s North London derby. But without a win against Burnley on Sunday, it is worth absolutely nothing.

Arsenal were excellent against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. They pressed high up the pitch, they played with energy and intensity, and they controlled proceedings throughout, suffocating Spurs of time and space on the ball. It was an outstanding display. And an equally brilliant result.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Burnley: 5 key players to watch

It brought the Gunners to within a point behind Spurs, and although they still sit in sixth position in the table, they give themselves hope of keeping pace with the likes of the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea. And that is important at this early stage in the season.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

However, while that was an important win for the state of North London affairs, in terms of the Premier League, three points is three points, whether it comes against a top-six side or a bottom-six side. And that has been the issue for Arsene Wenger and his players for many, many years. Winning consistently, not just when form is high and confidence is flowing.

But that is what challenging for a league title requires. Winning games frequently, whether you are playing well or playing poorly. So for Arsenal, wins against Spurs, while wonderful for the fans, are none more valuable than a win against Burnley on Sunday. That is the task that is set before them: To win against Burnley, a perceived lesser team, coming after a win against Spurs, a perceived better team.

That will not be easy. Burnley have won three games in a row, they sit on the same number of points as their visitors, and they have already stolen points from Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs.

Moreover, the success that they have had this season has been built on defensive stability, something that is easily replicable, especially against the big teams when possession often has to be relinquished and there is an acceptance that the game will be controlled by the opposition.

Sean Dyche’s side have established themselves as an industrious, hard-working team. They will not simply rollover. Arsenal will have to earn their victory; they will have to earn the three points. And those three points are equally as valuable as the trio received in the win over Spurs the week prior.

Next: 30 greatest transfers of past 30 years

With Spurs again dropping points on Saturday, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool being pitted against each other, there is the opportunity for ground to be made up. Wenger and his players must take it.