3 things we learned from Arsenal's 5-0 win over Burnley

Arsenal secured yet another three points as they comfortably sailed past Burnley at Turf Moor by netting five times.

The Gunners were absolutely merciless in their showing as they matched Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Brentford earlier in the day.

The north London side were at their very best as they exerted control right from the beginning, which eventually led to them scoring an early goal to put the side into the lead. Eventually, Arsenal ended the first half having scored two goals and the remaining three goals came in the second half.

Here are three things we learned from Saturday's game.

1. Arsenal have found their shooting boots

Before their run of victories, the Gunners had a lacklustre show of finishing which cost them crucial points. There was creation, however, in the final third, it looked like a game of ping-pong; the ball would just be passed around aimlessly. 

However, of late the north London side have found their shooting boots and have been capitalising on their chances. Focusing on improving this area alone was a major boost in their title contention. No matter how much control you exert, it's the goals that will win you the game.

2. David Raya is the new #1 Goalkeeper

This is something a lot of Arsenal fans know or knew, but weren’t ready to accept. However, David Raya wasn’t brought into the club to back-up Ramsdale and that is something everyone knew. While Raya had not necessarily had a perfect beginning in his chapter here at Arsenal, lately he has proved that he should be the one between the sticks.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been brilliant for the Gunners and his shadowed influence in the game has massively contributed to helping his side hold the ball. It is well established that Arteta wants his men to be able to control the game – like any other manager – however, the technical ability he demands, even from a goalie, is what is contrasted.

Raya has been excellent and has proved to Arteta, and now the fans too, that he deserves to be picked over an already high-quality keeper in Aaron Ramsdale. The 28-year-old’s ability to perform the duties of a traditional goalkeeper combined with his excellent technical ability make him an invaluable asset to the club.

3. All of Arsenal’s new signings have settled into the team

Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Raya were the players who joined Arsenal at the start of this season. While Declan Rice adapted comparatively quicker, it was Raya and Havertz who have only recently aligned themselves into their new roles.

The trio are firing on all cylinders and proved why Arteta chose to bring them into his title-challenging squad. However, it also goes beyond the new signings adapting to their new roles; the likes of Martin Odegaard (who looks like he has been shifted from a #10 or attacking midfielder akin to Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City to a more Bernardo Silva-esque midfielder) and even Jakub Kiwior at left back performing duties we see Oleksandr Zinchenko perform.

All of these new roles have proved to be a major improvement and has helped this Arsenal side to win games they normally would drop points in.

For the first time in history, Arsenal have won their first five Premier League games in a calendar year. The Gunners have also now registered 21 goals in their last five games. Both of these stats are highly impressive and are a reflection of just how well Mikel Arteta’s side are doing right now.

So far in 2024, Arsenal have undergone a significant paradigm shift, marked by notable improvements in several key areas. Their finishing and effectiveness in front of goal have notably sharpened, enabling them to capitalise on scoring opportunities with greater frequency. Moreover, they've demonstrated a newfound ability to secure victories in matches that were previously challenging. Perhaps most impressively, Arsenal has exhibited enhanced retention and control on the pitch, dictating the flow of play and maintaining possession more effectively. 

These developments have bolstered their position in the title race, providing the Gunners with the necessary tools to remain competitive at the highest level. Arsenal will hope to carry this form as they prepare to take on FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League for their next fixture.

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