Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley: Granit Xhaka howler in dramatic draw

Arsenal slumped to a miserable 1-1 draw with Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, as Granit Xhaka’s moment of madness gifted the Clarets a point in a drama-filled encounter. Here are the player ratings.

Mikel Arteta’s side had a welcome week of rest following their 3-1 win over Leicester last time out, and the Spaniard made changes to his team with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka joined by Calum Chambers in the starting lineup.

The visitors got off to a perfect start in Lancashire, as Aubameyang weaved his way through Burnley bodies with some neat step-overs before firing low into the bottom corner through the glove of Nick Pope.

Chances came and went in an assertive first-half, with Bukayo Saka coming closest to doubling Arsenal’s advantage when he poked wide.

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday as Granit Xhaka produces a howler in dramatic draw

Looking like going into the break ahead in total comfort, the most ridiculous Premier League goal scored this season, and likely to be included in blooper reels for years to come, came for Burnley as Granit Xhaka’s moment of madness gifted Chris Wood an equaliser.

The second half was much more of a contest with Burnley flexing their muscles in the final third, which coincided with Arsenal being limp and lifeless on their part.

Nicolas Pepe was incredibly denied a penalty late on when Erik Pieters blatantly handled his touch that stopped him from beating him in the box, and then it was Leno’s turn to have a major say with two huge saves.

There was even more drama when Pepe’s volley was blocked on the line and a penalty was awarded, with VAR then correctly overturning, to huge disappointment. Even more drama came as Dani Ceballos crashed the post with a fierce effort, as the game finished 1-1.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 8/10 – Leno was not at fault for the goal, despite the talk from pundits during the game. Leno’s pass to Xhaka was weighted with the intention of the Swiss making a first-time ball wide on his right foot, which he, for whatever reason, didn’t do. Good handling from the German on Saturday who made two crucial saves in the second half.

Calum Chambers (RB) – 7/10 – Decent enough outing for Chambers in his first Premier League start since December 2019. His attacking output wasn’t overly effective, which is no surprise considering his time away, but from a defensive point of view it was a decent return to the starting lineup and he did put some decent crosses in.

David Luiz (CB) – 7/10 – Burnley’s crossing was poor throughout and it meant Luiz could go through the game without great worry. Kept Chris Wood quiet.

Pablo Mari (CB) – 7/10 – Strong in the air and quick to cover spaces, it was another good afternoon for Mari who was majorly untroubled alongside his central defensive partner. Proven to be a shrewd signing from the Brazilian league.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 5/10 – Didn’t manage to be as threatening as he would have liked with the link-up between himself and Willian not as strong as it was against Leicester.

Looked well off the pace.