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.
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.
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.
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.
Kieran Gibbs – 6
The full-back was quick and strong. A really good performance from the Englishman.
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.
Francis Coquelin – 5.5
A solid enough return. I’m just glad he didn’t get re-injured.
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.
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.
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.
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.