Dominant Arsenal continue title push but suffer double injury blow - 5 talking points
BURNLEY 0-2 ARSENAL: Goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice saw Arsenal continue their impressive form by claiming three points at Turf Moor in the Premier League
Arsenal continued their early-season title charge with a comfortable win over Burnley at Turf Moor. Mikel Arteta's men extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over the Clarets, but Viktor Gyokeres prompted some worry as he was replaced at half-time.
Gyokeres opened the scoring when he nodded in from close range as Arsenal once again capitalised from a corner kick. Gabriel Magalhaes won the first ball before the striker cleaned up the play to get on the scoresheet.
The Gunners went on to take advantage of a Burnley set piece to extend their lead. Gyokeres was again involved as he drove the visitors forward on the break. The Swede provided an incisive ball to Leandro Trossard, who crossed in for Declan Rice to head home.
Scott Parker's side were unable to muster a shot until the second half, as Arsenal looked equally accomplished in both attacking and defending. The north London side were comfortable but failed to add to their goal tally.
There may be some concerns for Arteta after Gyokeres was joined by Martin Zubimendi in being substituted. The Spaniard was down before being replaced by Christian Norgaard late in the game, returning to the dugout with a shake of the head.
READ MORE: Max Dowman Arsenal transfer claim made as Bukayo Saka truth clear for Mikel ArtetaREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta told he has 'luxury' at Arsenal that allows him to manage Bukayo Saka concernMirror Football takes a look at the talking points to arise from Arsenal's latest victory.
Trust
Arsenal may have addressed any concerns over depth in the summer, but where possible, Mikel Arteta will do his best to start his best players. There was uncertainty over William Saliba's fitness, but the Frenchman started against Burnley after training on Friday, even against opposition the north London side are expected to beat.
"He was a doubt but he made it," Arteta said. "He trained yesterday and he's feeling well. We made changes in midweek but today we're back to the same team (as against Crystal Palace last week)."
Rotation in the Carabao Cup ensured there was no pressure to rush Saliba back, however, and he was able to prepare a comeback at Turf Moor. When you have the best defensive partnership in the division, it's understandable you won't want to give it up.
Set Piece FC
Arsenal delivered from a set piece once again, and their fans are understandably lapping it up. Corners are celebrated like goals at the minute for the Gunners, and their expertise is paying off.
Opposition complaints will only make each set piece more satisfying, and on Saturday, Arsenal became the first side in Premier League history to score eight goals from corners in the first 10 games of a season.
You can't argue with the results.
Gyokeres fires
Being signed as Arsenal's star striker in the summer has ensured there is some healthy scrutiny over Viktor Gyokeres' form. There were lofty expectations following his goal-per-game record in Portugal.
It was not a difficult finish on this occasion, but the former Coventry ace will have been pleased to end a run of five Premier League matches without a goal. The gratification of the ball hitting the net will be more impactful than any reassurance of his wider contributions.
It was perhaps the forward's best half in an Arsenal shirt, a shame that he was replaced at the break.
Title credentials
"We're still only in October. We just have to keep working, keep winning games, keep building momentum and see where it leaves us towards the back end of the season," said Bukayo Saka in a preview of the fixture.
Another win ticked off will only set more tongues wagging. Arsenal are now nine points clear of Manchester City and 10 points clear of defending champions Liverpool, albeit having played a game more. But Saka is right, they are only 10 matches in after all.
The manner of victory is perhaps more impressive, however. "Arsenal were magnificent in the first half," said Alan Shearer. "I can't see a weakness.
"They've scored again from a set-piece but there's been so much more than that in the performance."
The Gunners look like the real deal.
Stingy
Arsenal did not allow Burnley to have a single shot in the opening half of action. The Clarets found their way forward in the second period but still failed to trouble David Raya as they failed to hit the target.
It maybe should not be a surprise that the Gunners prove so stingy, when the last goal Arsenal conceded came against Newcastle more than a month ago. Seven clean sheets in a row, seven in 10 Premier League games says a lot. Defences win titles so they say.
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