Arsenal 0-0 Burnley: 5 talking points from Premier League draw

Arsenal dropped vital points in the hunt for a top four finish, failing to break down a stubborn Burnley side as they drew 0-0 on Sunday.

Reeling from the disappointment of Thursday as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool, Mikel Arteta made just the solitary change against the Clarets with Rob Holding coming in for the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu, with Benjamin White moving to right-back.

Any preconceptions about how Burnley might set up and this game would play out were realised as soon as the match kicked off.

Sean Dyche’s side sought to frustrate with their two banks of four squeezing central areas and limiting space between the lines. Arsenal probed in wide areas and attempted to isolate the full-backs one-vs-one, but couldn’t create any meaningful chances.

Arsenal 0-0 Burnley: 5 talking points from Premier League draw as Mikel Arteta’s side lose crucial ground in top four hunt

Martin Odegaard had a poked effort saved by Nick Pope in the first half and after the break there was no great improvement.

Desperately needing to up the tempo it took a while for the hosts to start ramping up the pressure. Even then it was too little too late.

The best chance of the game fell to Alexandre Lacazette after some fine work down the left from Emile Smith Rowe. The No. 10 beat his man and charged into the box to set up the Frenchman, who poked a glorious opportunity wide with the goal gaping.

In the final 20 minutes plus stoppage time there was just the solitary shot on goal. That was it. A laboured, slow and ultimately drab performance produced a similar result. These are crucial points dropped in the hunt for the top four. All eyes on the window.

1. Horrible January Comes to an End

Kicking the year off with a daunting home visit of Manchester City, despite the cruel late goal that stole it for the Citizens, it was a performance to build on with Arsenal looking at their very best. There was hope, regardless of the defeat.

Then the FA Cup was blown at the first hurdle with a limp 1-0 loss away at Nottingham Forest, setting Arsenal up poorly for a tricky two-legged Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.

Despite a valiant draw in the first leg, the return meeting, following the North London Derby postponement, saw the Red deservedly emerge 2-0 winners and book their final spot.

Finishing the month off against Burnley presented a solid opportunity for Arsenal to bounce back. They didn’t take it.

It’s a result that caps off a horrible month: five games, no wins, one goal, out of two cup competitions and now losing crucial ground on their top four challengers. It would appear that January is the new November.

This break comes at a welcome time.

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