Arsenal: 5 talking points from narrow 1-0 Burnley win

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts on the final whistle in the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on September 18, 2021. - Arsenal won the game 1-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) /

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Chris Wood of Burnley and Thomas Partey of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on September 18, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

4. Thomas Partey is the difference maker

Something we knew already, right?

His ability to cut through Burnley’s midfield when in possession sent Arsenal on their way numerous times. Once he was substituted with what is an apparent injury (Arteta confirmed it was cramp), Arsenal lost some of the midfield dominance.

Partey was in top form on Saturday and Burnley knew his importance by having either Wood or Barnes marking him when Arsenal tried to play it out from the back. This often meant Ramsdale, Gabriel or White were forced into long balls and stopped Partey from having an influence.

It is something that opposing teams will look to do more often as the Ghanaian is critical to how Arteta wants his side to play.

When Partey did get on the ball, good things happened, and he pushed the Gunners upfield with ease and this put Burnley on the back foot. He managed the transitions superbly, blocked and intercepted regularly and when he effectively played as a centre-back in the second half he held the fort magnificently.

He is imperative in this team.

Continued…

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