Arsenal came away from Turf Moor with all three points on Saturday thanks to an Aaron Ramsey winner. The game was described as ‘a different test’ by Arsene Wenger and he lauded his sides ‘fighting performance’.
Burnley provided a stern test for Arsenal and ensured they were taken seriously, forcing goalkeeper David Ospina into a few saves, but what did we learn about both sides from the game?
Burnley will work until the last minute to ensure survival
Despite dropping three points and losing for the 16th time this season, Sean Dyche’s Burnley side are not a side that lack enthusiasm and never will be. The Clarets have won only won twice in 2015, which includes a home victory against the current champions, a game which absolutely typified the clubs attitude, passion and desire to stay in the top English division.
Burnley have had a very tough set of fixtures to deal with since the turn of the year and their run of nine tough games (including Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea) is coming to a climax next week as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton. They will then face the teams around them in games that will be season defining, including fixtures against Leicester, Hull and Aston Villa on the final day of the season.
It is going to have to be a fantastic team effort from Sean Dyche’s men, who are currently one point above 20th placed Leicester and two points behind Hull who sit in 17th position.
David Ospina is a good goalkeeper, but Arsenal need better
Arsenal have an obvious goalkeeper issue, David Ospina performed well when tested and made four relatively straightforward saves including one from a Kieran Trippier free kick, who performed fantastically all evening. The Columbian goalkeeper is not the long term solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeper issues and neither is Wojciech Szczesny.
Chelsea boast arguably two of the world’s top five goalkeepers; either could start for the West London side and Chelsea fans would be happy. Spurs have Hugo Lloris and Manchester United have David De Gea—two more of the world’s most talented goalkeepers.
At 6′, Ospina is relatively small for a goalkeeper and because of this, often looks (and is) second best when diving out for crosses, corners and free-kicks.
He is no doubt a decent shot-stopper and has shown his ability to make important, match-winning saves. However, height for a goalkeeper is an extremely important factor; David Seaman and Jens Lehmann were both upwards of 6’, so it was easy to feel a lot more confident whenever they came to collect the ball. They could also make a mountain of themselves when one vs. one with a striker.
There are a number of options that Wenger could consider for the number one spot, so whether it’s a thought on the Manager’s mind is something to be seen.
Kieran Tripper is one to watch
The Burnley right back started his football career at the Manchester City academy; however having not made a first team appearance was loaned to Burnley on three occasions over a period of two years before signing in 2012. Since joining Burnley, Trippier has made the right back position his own and is now beginning to impress all of the right people.
With Roy Hodgson watching on at Turf Moor, Trippier will have done his chances of an England call up no harm. The 24 year old has appeared at four different levels for his Country from u18’s to u21’s, but has some tough competition if he hopes to prize away the right back spot from current England favourite Nathaniel Clyne.
Trippier is a marauding right back, similar to Clyne and provides a constant pacey outlet down the right hand side, whilst ensuring that he does not abandon his defensive duties. The Burnley man is comfortable in possession, can cross a ball with a variety of techniques and with the level of consistency shown by Trippier may earn a move to a bigger club.
Francis Coquelin is an unbelievable individual
Saturday’s performance absolutely typified the reason that Francis Coquelin has become such a key individual in the squad. The French midfielder was described by Thierry Henry before the game as Arsenal’s ‘police officer’ and Coquelin certainly displayed his authority in midfield. Making a number of key contributions, including 11 interceptions, two tackles, two clearances and boasting 85% pass accuracy, the 23 year old was deservedly awarded man of the match.
Arsene Wenger described Coquelin as someone who can ‘pass the ball quickly and is ‘strong in challenges’. Wenger also spoke of the balance Coquelin brings to the side, acknowledging that the French midfielder boasts characteristics that other Arsenal midfielders may not.
Coquelin was very much involved in the only goal of the game, making a key interception before starting the attack and finding a team mate in space ahead, which puts on full display the impact that the Frenchman is able to have both defensively and offensively.
Catching Chelsea may be difficult, but Arsenal will take them all the way
Arsenal currently sit four points behind league leaders Chelsea, however the West London side have two games in hand and face QPR at Loftus Road next. With only six games left of the Premier League season for the Gunners, it is looking increasingly unlikely that they can catch Chelsea.
The North London side will undoubtedly push Chelsea until the last day of the season (if it’s not already won by the blues) and the two meet in less than two weeks at the Emirates Stadium, which could be a season defining moment for both sides.
With eight wins in a row, Arsenal’s form is the best of any team this campaign and the Gunners will look to continue it as the season comes to a close next month.
The Gunners’ final six fixtures includes (the aforementioned) Chelsea at home, Hull City away, Swansea at home, and Manchester United at home before two home games against Sunderland and West Brom to close the season.
Arsenal will look to push Chelsea as far as they can, but as Arsene Wenger acknowledged: “We need a perfect run and we need a non-perfect run from them.”
