Arsenal Vs Burnley: 5 things we learned

Arsenal, Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil — LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on December 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal hosted Burnley in the Premier League for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Here are five things we learned from the 3-1 win.

Arsenal battled their way to a 3-1 victory over Burnley at Saturday lunchtime, lifting them to level on points with Chelsea prior to the Blues’ afternoon contest with Leicester City. It was an impressive win, with three very nice goals scored, a brace for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and a drive and determination that has not been previously present in prior eras. This is a very new Arsenal.

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Here are five things we learned.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on December 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

5. The first-half run is over

Only two teams had never led a Premier League match at half-time this season: Cardiff City and Arsenal. At the 18th time of asking, one short of half the season, the Gunners finally ended their first-half hoodoo. They led a game at half-time. And they deserved to, which is perhaps even more important than the fact they did.

While Arsenal’s inability to win first halves has been concerning, what has been more troubling has been that their performances did not deserve leads. It is not as if they were playing well and just getting unlucky. They were actively digging themselves into first-half holes because of their lacklustre showings.

On this occasion, though, they were in control from the very first kick of the match. Burnley had some openings, with the dual aerial threat of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood an awkward one to curtail. But it was the home side that created the better chances and largely conducted the proceedings. That is a relief.