Mark Rowntree
Arsenal vs Burnley
Premier League (Sunday 13th December 2020, 7.15pm)
by Mark Rowntree
When Boris Johnson tweeted early in the New Year “this is going to be a fantastic year for Britain” life hasn’t been the same since, and for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal the record breaking FA Cup Final glory of 2020 is an ever fading memory as we approach the shortest day of the calendar year.
With the relative success of a Europa League campaign tucked away for a few months, Arsenal can focus exclusively on addressing their poor Premier League form.
A single point from four games since a hard fought victory at Old Trafford in early November has seen Arsenal fall to 15th place in the table ahead of this set of fixtures.
However, out of the adversity of the latest North London Derby hope emerges on the horizon with goal shy, defensively-minded Burnley the visitors to the Emirates Stadium.
Burnley are yet to register a win on their travels so far this season (D2, L3) and have hit the back of the net just once away from home since their opening day 4-2 defeat at Leicester.
A lack of firepower is a massive problem for Sean Dyche with only Chris Ward, Jay Rodriguez and Ashley Barnes considered half proficient in front of goal. Overall, in the last six games (home and away) the Clarets have scored just twice, with those goals coming within the opening eight minutes of games against Everton and Crystal Palace.
Therefore, the solid body of evidence states that this isn’t the kind of game for Arsenal to think or act cautiously.
The emphasis should be on the Gunners to grasp the nettle from the outset with the creative players like Dani Ceballos pulling the strings.
Much maligned for ‘bombing forward’ at will last weekend, against weaker opposition now certainly isn’t the time for full-backs Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney to resort to more defensive duties. It is the time to be smart and to continue to offer overlapping support to Bukayo Saka and Willian.
Second best on possession statistics in every single game since clashing with an ultra-stubborn Newcastle United in October, Burnley will undoubtedly set their stall on a strong defensive rear-guard with Nick Pope, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski acting as the collective linchpin.
Both Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are struggling for form with the Brazilian yet too offer anything of significance since his free transfer from Chelsea.
Nevertheless, having scored seven times (including twice on three occasions) against Burnley in the Premier League, ‘Auba’ must view this game the perfect opportunity to end the frustration of his current goal drought. A smiling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will do plenty to lift the fog at the Emirates Stadium.
As for Mikel Arteta it’s crucial that he’s prepared to be brave and not duck the big decisions should Arsenal’s possession advantage fail to bear fruit (considered unlikely) within the first hour or so of this game.
No individual is irreplaceable, and despite the onus being on Ceballos, Willian and Aubameyang to deliver the goods, the likes of Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah are more than capable deputies waiting patiently in the wings in order to stake a strong claim for a regular starting position.
Historically, Arsenal have won all six Premier League home games against Burnley (by an aggregate score of 18-4). Furthermore, in the six reverse fixtures at Turf Moor, Burnley have netted just twice earning two points (D2, L4) from a possible 18 available.
Therefore, a home defeat for Arsenal on Sunday would by far eclipse the shock of Aston Villa, signalling unimaginably difficult times ahead.
Glass half full (as opposed to half empty), it’s time to rise to an opportunity and send out the proud rallying call for a much brighter future.
Advice:
Both Teams to Score:
NO (10-11; Bet Victor)
First Goalscorer:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
(10-3; Betfred)
To Score 2 Or More Goals:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
(11-2; Betfred & Bet Victor)
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