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.

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Thomas Partey (CM) – 7/10 – His involvement for the opening goal was mouth-watering. It wasn’t this sudden world-class moment, but a moment that could only have come from a world-class player.

He was a commanding presence in the centre of the park, being composed in possession and progressive with his distribution. A cut above Arsenal midfielders.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 4/10 – You can’t excuse the mistake. It’s baffling. The pass from Leno was designed with the intention of Xhaka playing the ball first time into either corner. His decision-making in that situation is insane.

A shame, because he was relatively solid otherwise.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 6/10 – Was lively playing off Aubameyang even if he wasn’t totally at the races. Tried to make things happen in advanced areas but Arsenal were overly poor in the final third collectively.

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 6/10 – Not his best game by any stretch of the imagination as he showed minor glimpses of rustiness in possession. The pitch didn’t help but it’s no excuse, as some of his touches let him down in crucial moments. He could quite well have had a couple of goals in the first half alone.

Saka needed his rest and having played relentlessly all season, a minor drop off was expected, but he began wrestling control and being threatening later in the game.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 6/10 – Well-taken goal and could easily have got an assist or two had his strong build-up play been matched with finishing.

In general he led the line well at Turf Moor and contributed with his usual defensive output down the left flank, allowing Odegaard to join him in a 4-4-2 when out of possession. Good outing from the captain who looks well rested and fit, even if his influence waned dramatically in the second half.

Willian (LW) – 5/10 – Mostly ineffective even if he did lay on the assist for the opener. There wasn’t much combination play between himself and Tierney who evidently haven’t had chance to forge an understanding as such.

He was getting into attacking positions well and the instructions were clear, yet he didn’t have as great of an impact as he did against Leicester.

Arsenal Substitutes Ratings

Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10 – Got involved in the rough and tumble but the decision to bring Lacazette on for Odegaard was confusing as the Norwegian was growing into the game. As for the Frenchman, it was mostly winning fouls and getting stuck in.

Nicolas Pepe – 5/10 – Should’ve won a penalty for the second game running with Erik Pieters somehow got away with a blatant handball that stopped the Ivorian beating him in the box. And when the chance came, he blew it. A huge chance he absolutely bottled.

He was such a threat when he came on but the miss was so costly.

Dani Ceballos – N/A – Not on long enough for a rating.