Burnley vs Arsenal: 4 talking points from infuriating draw

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Pablo Mari of Arsenal and Chris Wood of Burnley FC chase down the ball during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 06, 2021 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Centre-Back Decisions to Make for Mikel Arteta

With the break that came following the Leicester game, the decisions for central defence were intriguing ones on Arteta’s part.

Pablo Mari was OK against Leicester with reasons for optimism as well as a couple of questionable involvements, while David Luiz has played his way into the starting lineup with some of his better performances in an Arsenal shirt to date.

Against a Burnley side who were admittedly weak in possession, the pair were never hugely tested but still put in solid outings that kept Chris Wood and Matej Vydra quiet for large spells. With Olympiacos to come in midweek, who will partner Luiz makes for an interesting decision.

Gabriel is the better defender of the two left-footed options, and Mari’s added height (it’s not that much difference at all) will have played a part in Arteta’s selections for Saturday, however it’s not ideal to have a centre-back come in for a huge European fixture abroad without playing for two weeks. Saka, who was only rested for Leicester, had an off-day at Turf Moor which would have been impacted by his small break.

Based on quality alone it should be Gabriel in the heart of defence against Olympiacos, even if Arteta may be offering an insight into his preferred partnership.

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