Arsenal ratings vs Burnley: Declan Rice unbeatable as Kai Havertz repays Mikel Arteta trust | OneFootball

Gunners are on brink of a first title since 2004

Arsenal took another big step towards the Premier League title with a 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz’s first-half header was enough for victory, though Arsenal’s inability to find a second goal ensured it was far from a comfortable finish to the match.

The German was fortunate to avoid a straight red card for a terrible challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu, but Arsenal made the most of that fortunate to secure all three points.

The result means that if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night, Arsenal will be Premier League champions.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Did not have a single save to make as he added another clean sheet to his collection. Cleaned out by Zian Flemming when challenging for a cross and stayed down to tick away the seconds.

Started well and got into good positions without every looking totally comfortable in the final third. Two poor moments in barely a minute after the break, caught on the ball both times. Fortunate Arsenal were not punished.

William Saliba 7

Had a couple of slack moments himself, especially when too rash diving in on Jaidon Antony and missing the ball. Otherwise did not have too much defending to do until two huge clearances in the 99th minute.

Gabriel 8

Had a ten-minute battle with Hannibal Mejbri that he dominated, drawing fouls and physically bullying the Burnley man. Always looked in control when Burnley did test him.

Riccardo Calafiori 8

Ridiculous what he offers from left-back. Created three chances in the first half - nobody else created more than one. Included one brilliant chop and pass for Martin Odegaard. No issues defensively either.

Return: Riccardo Calafiori

Getty

Declan Rice 9

Even more responsibility with the midfield so attacking and mopped up relentlessly. Won all six duels. Forced Hannibal to rush a shot then got a foot in to steal it off Loum Tchaouna in the box. Did everything to drag Arsenal over the line.

Martin Odegaard 7

Ran the show early on with a succession of cute through balls and reverse passes. Close to opening the scoring but denied by a great last-ditch block. More frustrating in second half when taking a touch too many and not being direct enough.

Eberechi Eze 6

Scuffed volley flicking off the bar and then missed a huge headed chance.. Some nice off-the-cuff moments but the quietest of the front five. Loose pass under no pressure allowed a dangerous break when Anthony curled over.

Bukayo Saka 7

Elite corner delivery created the opener. Otherwise felt like an ‘almost’ night. Close to curling in from distance and unable to convert Havertz cross from close range. Final ball was just a foot off at times and faded after the break.

Matchwinner: Kai Havertz

Getty

Kai Havertz 8

Justified return to the starting lineup with top display. Linked up superbly, created big chances for Saka and Eze, and scored himself with a dominant header from a corner. However, very lucky to avoid red card for bad challenge on Ugochukwu.

Leandro Trossard 8

Electric start to the match. Drifted inside and hammered an effort off the inside of the post and kept skipping past Walker. Not as involved in the second half but worked tirelessly for the team as ever.

Piero Hincapie (Calafiori 72’) 6

Immediately got in behind but had his penalty appeals waved away. Up for the fight as ever when it got scrappy.

Viktor Gyokeres (Gyokeres 72’) 8

Did not stop running in his 20 minutes on the pitch. Got Arsenal up the pitch and harried the defenders at every opportunity. Monumental effort.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Eze 72’) 6

Brought on to add more security in midfield. Very little involvement.

Martin Zubimendi (Odegaard 90+3’) N/A