Who would have thought that a home game against Burnley could be one of the biggest games to define Arsenal’s future this season. The Clarets may be in the relegation zone, but the fact is that they are only three places below us and can move to within four points of Arsenal if they beat us today.
We may think Arsenal have trouble scoring goals, but Burnley have only managed 5 all season compared to our 10, and have not scored in their last 3 away games, although two of them ended 0-0, and I can see Sean Dyche setting his team up to frustrate our strikers and stop us scoring for as long as possible.
Mikel Arteta also seems worried about Dyches tactics, and he told Arsenal.com that it is the Arsenal players that have to approach the game positively. The boss told Arsenal.com: “The team has to perform and that they have the mindset to go and win the game,”
“We know the urgency we have to get results and the stats, in my opinion in this moment, are not very relevant.
“Burnley are a really organised team. They are a constant threat because they are really direct but they play that game really, really well. They manage their first, second and third phases really well, the way they attack the box, set-pieces are key against them as well.
“They are difficult to break down because they have been working together with the same manager for a long time, and they know each other really well.
“They are disciplined and they have a good spirit and character among the team. They are always ready to fight and make it difficult for you.”
So considering the quality of the opposition, I’m guessing that this is the time to find out if the players still want Arteta as their boss or not. If they do not show any hunger again tomorrow, I think the writing will be on the wall for Arteta.
Sam P
Sigh…. does this mean Xhaka will be scared again??
Thrice as much scared as Burnley are the 3rd last team, Sue.Feel really sorry for Xhaka. Remember the BFG also feeling sick before matches? and now he is in coaching, so ironic, while legends like Freddie and Jens are out of the club. No wonder the whole club is in a mess.Hope we and Leicester win today.
he dhould not be worry with such a squad but win games.
he is the worrying factor with board picking and bowing for him
He should worry zbout his carreer after this ridiculous destruction his ignorance causes us.
he must be worried for that and resign before to look worst and as a total dumb sorry ignorant lost man he is..
Show love and respect to this club and foundation put before he can sit there and ruin it all for his selfish ignorant ego trip which consist to beluevie that a can take such a club with zero whatsoever head coach experience.
Just as that cricket fan we have heading board supportive of his dumb choice!
We got the firepower but 3 of our biggest goal threats (Auba / Laca / Saka) are having some bad form. If they find their form again (+ Nketiah in the mix) someone will get a real hiding from Arsenal soon, and hopefully it will be Burnley this weekend. It’s a real shame Partey is injured because I think Partey + Ceballos in the middle is good combo, but unfortunately it’s probably going to be Xhaka again. I really like the look of Pablo Mari. Maybe time to use him more in the league?
If sounding worried is undesirable, would it be better if Arteta said something like “Burnley are a really crap team. Considering how bad we have been this season, I can’t believe we are still 7 points above them. I expect this to be a walk in the park.”?
Hahahaha…. Yeah… Good point!
At Winston
To answer your question NO! But he could have simply said arsenal is a big club and we are playing at home and we expect to win simple. That’s called giving your players confidence whilst respecting your opponent.
Just kidding there Jah son. Rather Arteta emphasize to the players that we must not take Burnley lightly than to leave any chance of complacency, given how desperately we need a win
Bring him back
Maybe esr gets a shot
Only four weeks till the transfer window. How serious will the club be to get out of this rut. If we are worried about Burnley then Arsenal are in for a rough ride which includes Southampton , Everton and Chelsea. Hang on,it could be make or break time for certain reputations at our club.
It’s time Arteta swallows his pride, speak to Ozil, iron out whatever crap & bring him back, simple. We all make mistakes and not playing Oz was his, so for the benefit of this huge club, otherwise the writing is on the wall.