Arsenal managed a big win against Burnley thanks to a late Alexis Sanchez penalty.

It was billed as the game Arsenal would flop in after such a convincing display against Tottenham.

True to form, Arsenal were nowhere as good as they were the previous week. Burnley were always going to be difficult opponents, and they showed why by making Arsenal uncomfortable with plenty of pressure.

Arsenal did defend well all game, but were lacking some spark to break Burnley down. With the game looking set to end goalless, Ramsey was bundled over in the box, and Alexis Sanchez stepped up to score the penalty in the dying seconds.

The ratings may not reflect the importance of the result, but nonetheless, here’s how the Arsenal players got on.

Defence

Petr Cech 7

There were no doubts about Cech today.

The keeper used all of his experience to cope with the numerous crosses that came into his box, and produced a number of good stops to keep Burnley out.

A rare commanding display from our number one.

Laurent Koscielny 6

He struggled to come to grips with Ashley Barnes in the first half, but enjoyed a more comfortable second half as Arsenal played more in Burnley’s half.

His willingness to venture forward was noticeable.

By the end of the game, he was whipping crosses into the Burnley penalty area and causing some trouble.

Shkodran Mustafi 7

Often penalised for the softest of infractions by Lee Mason, but otherwise had an excellent game against Barnes and Chris Wood.

The German took charge of many situations and stood up to the physical test against two burly and canny centre forwards.

Nacho Monreal 6

It was a game where he could have been targeted for his lack of height. However, Monreal was often well-positioned to mop up any loose balls at the back, and always on the front foot to intercept passes into midfield.

He obviously fancied a goal as well, as he took a number of shots from distance.

Unfortunately, only one of them threatened Nick Pope in the Burnley goal.

Next, midfield

Midfield

Hector Bellerin 6

He was reserved in the first half, but got forward more in the second half.

He was often an outlet for Arsenal down that side, and should have been awarded a penalty when he was taken out by Robbie Brady.

Granit Xhaka 6

Xhaka had a difficult first half as Burnley tested his defensive awareness by passing through the middle of the pitch.

He was able to assert himself in the second as Arsenal had more control in Burnley’s half, and ensured the ball kept being moved forward.

It was his lofted pass that created the late opening that resulted in the penalty.

Aaron Ramsey 7

In a match where Arsenal lacked a creative spark, Ramsey had a busy performance.

He constantly made himself available for a pass and looked to make runs into the Burnley penalty area. It was those runs that got him a difficult chance in the first half, and saw him in the Burnley box late on to win the penalty.

Even if he’s not scoring, his movement can be a real asset for the team.

Sead Kolasinac 6

He was timid and wasteful in the first half, as he completed just 47% of his passes. He was far more adventurous in the second half, getting up in support of the attack and popping up in dangerous areas on the left.

His end product wasn’t up to par, but he played a crucial role in the move that won the penalty.

Next, forwards

Forwards

Alex Iwobi 5

Given a rare chance due to Ozil’s illness, but failed to take it.

A couple of bright dribbles aside, Iwobi was unable to get on the ball regularly and provide much creativity in the German’s absence.

He will need to take these opportunities in the future if he’s to establish himself in the first team.

Alexis Sanchez 6

With Ozil absent and Iwobi under-performing, much of the creative burden was on Alexis.

He was influential in the second half, as much of Arsenal’s play went through him.

He lacked Ozil’s delicate touch, but looked the most likely to make something happen.

His late penalty ensured Arsenal came away with a very hard-earned three points.

Alexandre Lacazette 6

Continually offered movement in a game he knew he wouldn’t receive many opportunities.

Arsenal were unable to craft any meaningful chances for him, and he was rather unfairly subbed off in the second half for Danny Welbeck.

Arsenal need to find a way of making more chances when he’s in the team.

Next, subs

Subs

Jack Wilshere 6

Brought on to add extra invention to the Arsenal team.

He was able to wriggle into tight spaces and linked-up well with Alexis Sanchez.

Given Iwobi’s performance, you have to wonder if he should have started the game.

Danny Welbeck N/A

Came on for Lacazette but had no noticeable effect on the game.

He did, though, manage to fall over at least once to make it a true Welbeck appearance.