The inexplicable horror that is Arsenal Football Club continued on a misty night at the Emirates, as an idiotic red card from Granit Xhaka early in the second half led to a complete unraveling from the hosts. An unfortunate own goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was all that the visitors would need to leave London with a 1-0 victory, and the immense pressure on manager Mikel Arteta continues to mount after another awful performance from his side. The trust he continues to put in his more veteran players continues to go unrewarded, and now the first time coach’s job is in serious peril. Below are the player ratings from the match against Burnley:
Player Ratings (1 – 10)
G – Bernd Leno – 6
Honestly didn’t have much to do at all as Burnley never really even attempted to win this match until it was gifted to them. Didn’t face many shots and couldn’t do anything about the own-goal off of the corner.
DF – Kieran Tierney – 6
Showed his usual energy and got forward very well, but his final ball was lacking a bit today. Didn’t have too much to do defensively as Burnley never really bothered to utilize his side of the field. He was the only player to speak out and publicly take blame for the players poor performance—a real leader.
DF – Rob Holding – 6
The better of the two center backs in this one. Holding did relatively well to deal with the immense size that Burnley possess upfront with Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes. Not at fault for the goal either.
DF – Gabriel – 5
Not his best game, but he is afforded a pass due to how immense he has been for the club all season. He was caught stepping up at the wrong time early, which should have resulted in a headed goal from Chris Wood. Did relatively well after that, but again, Burnley never even really bothered to threaten.
DF – Hector Bellerin – 5
Bellerin continued his run of up and down form, with today’s match showing more of the latter. When things aren’t coming off for him, it really shows. Struggled to complete even simple passes and drifted out of position on more than one occasion. He was subbed off early.
MF – Mohammed Elneny – 4.5
Did decently enough to work himself out of some tight situations and kept the ball moving, but his rating must suffer for his ridiculous shove to the face of James Tarkowski before a corner kick that should have resulted in a red card. Arsenal was already down to 10 men at the time, and it was an absolute moment of madness he was lucky to get away with.
MF – Granit Xhaka – 0
His time starting for Arsenal is surely done now. Always a divisive figure, Xhaka kept the faith of Arteta for so long for reasons not abundantly clear, and this is how he rewards him? Absolutely moronic decision with his team so clearly on the front foot. He lost this match for his teammates and his manager and must be punished for it.
MF – Alexandre Laczette – 4
He is trying his best in a position that is not really his strength, but the fact that Arteta feels as if he is the best option to play the 10 shows just how poorly balanced this squad is. Had the best chance to score in the first half but shot directly at the keeper. He continues to be so out of form in front of goal and surely is one of the players who needs to be dropped for a spell.
RW – Willian – 4
What does Willian bring to this squad? He has been awful since his scintillating debut performance against Fulham on matchday one. Any other player who has been out of form for so long would have been dropped ages ago, so why does Arteta persist with him? Reiss Nelson should be starting, and it is clear to everyone except the manager, apparently. Maddening.
LW – Bukayo Saka – 6.5
He is the best attacking threat on this Arsenal team right now, and it is not particularly close. He is also only 19 years old. If there is any proof as to the potential benefit of Arteta giving the youngsters a chance in the Premier League, Saka is it. He is always trying to make something happen and always getting into dangerous areas. The fact that he is carrying this team to the degree that he is deserves tremendous praise for him and tremendous derision for his senior teammates.
FW – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
He looks like a broken man. A cruel twist of fate that Aubameyang finally finds the net, but it was his own. Worked hard and looked more interested than he did in the loss to the Spurs, but he cannot get anything going right now. Arsenal was always overly reliant on his goals, but he really needs to find a way to get back on track for his own personal mental state.
Substitutes
RB – Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
He came on for the ineffective Bellerin but did not have a chance to do much with Arsenal down a man. He has had multiple solid performances in Europa in the center of the park and should be looked at as an option to start there on Wednesday against Southampton.
MF – Dani Ceballos – 5.5
Replaced Lacazette as Arsenal chased an equalizer, but also didn’t see much of the ball due to the numbers disadvantage. He will most likely start going forward with Xhaka suspended and in the dog house, and Thomas Partey injured.
FW – Eddie Nketiah – NR
He came on late for Willian and showed his usual energy and drive. Still Arsenal’s leading goal scorer in all competitions with a measly five, which says a lot.
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