Another uncomfortable win but at least we’re through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Burnley weren’t going down without a fight and fight they did until the last minute.
Although we went ahead first thanks to a beautiful goal from Calum Chambers, the Championship team soon equalised through Sam Vokes. Fortunately, we re-took the lead in the second half thanks to a brilliant team goal and held on.
David Ospina – 6
The goalkeeper looked about as nervous as a man who’d previously dropped the ball over his own line against Olympiacos should. However, he pulled off a good save early on and although it rebounded into a dangerous area, Gibbs cleared it.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: David Ospina of Arsenal celebrates his team’s second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Calum Chambers – 6
The young man had a decent game and looked more confident than he had done in a long time. He also scored a stunner, so there’s that.
Arsenal’s English defender Calum Chambers (C) scores his team’s first goal during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates stadium in London, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Laurent Koscielny – 5.5
Although the centre back isn’t a bad defender in the slightest, he hasn’t been himself in a while, which was punctuated by a slip in the first half, which allowed Andre Gray to run through on goal.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal and Andre Gray of Burnley compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Gabriel – 5.5
Although he struggled at first and was weaker in the air than I’d like, resulting in a Burnley goal, as the game wore on he grew into the game.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Gabriel of Arsenal and Andre Gray of Burnley compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Kieran Gibbs – 6
The full-back was quick and strong. A really good performance from the Englishman.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30:Andre Gray of Burnley and Per Mertesacker of Arsenal compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Mohamed Elneny – 5.5
The new boy had a good game. He looked nervous at first but wasn’t afraid to take a shot and looked really keen to apply pressure.
Burnley’s Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Ulvestad (L) vies with Arsenal’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates stadium in London, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Francis Coquelin – 5.5
A solid enough return. I’m just glad he didn’t get re-injured.
Arsenal’s French midfielder Francis Coquelin (L) vies with Burnley’s Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Ulvestad during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates stadium in London, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5
Not the worst performance but certainly far from his best. Although his assist for Alexis’ goal was rather tasty, he still looks as if he’s trying too hard; this was summed up in the final minutes as he completely skied a decent opportunity.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Stephen Ward of Burnley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Alex Iwobi – 6
The youngster is so exciting to watch and always performs when he’s put on the pitch. Great work for both goals. The first one, he got the pre-assist and the second he tore up the pitch on the break to help Alexis score.
Burnley’s English midfielder David Jones (L) vies with Arsenal’s Nigerian striker Alex Iwobi during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates stadium in London, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud – 5.5
Although he didn’t score, he put in some good work. Notably for the first goal, he used his strength to clear space so Alexis could assist Chambers.
Beard watch: unruly.
Burnley’s Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Ulvestad (L) vies in the air with Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates stadium in London, on January 30, 2016. / AFP / GLYN KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
SUBS
Tomas Rosicky – 5
I’m so happy he’s back, running around like a shaggy-haired whippet.
Mikel Arteta – 4.5
A calming influence when we needed to hold onto the lead, as ever.
Theo Walcott – 4
Missed a one-on-one chance right in the dying seconds. He really should be putting those away.
