Arsenal came into their Premier League game against Burnley looking to build on encouraging victories against Leicester City and Benfica.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ensured that momentum continued when he scored within six minutes, though an absolute shocking error from Granit Xhaka — when he tried to pass the ball sideways in his own six-yard box but only succeeded in rebounding the ball off Chris Wood and into the net — gifted an equaliser for Burnley before half-time.
Despite both teams creating chances in the second and Arsenal piling on late pressure, the score remained 1-1.
The Gunners dominated large periods of the first half, playing some brilliant football that was both aesthetically pleasing and effective in creating chances. There was also a lot to be pleased about regarding the team’s defensive work and there should be special satisfaction with how Burnley’s aerial threat was dealt with. Arsenal showed defensive character to ensure the home side didn’t get a second when they were put under pressure in the second half.
Even before Xhaka’s howler, Arsenal had given the ball away in dangerous areas a couple of times — something that may have been punished by better opposition — and there were a few times where the Gunners struggled to overcome Burnley’s press.
There was also a chronic wastefulness in front of goal, as Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe missed some good chances — Pepe in particular, when he miskicked from six yards out, was awful. There will certainly be disappointment in the amount of control Arsenal surrendered to Burnley in the second half.