Kai Havertz emphasized that Arsenal are united as a team, stating that they are “all in this together,” following their impressive display of goal-scoring prowess in the thrashing of Burnley. This victory narrowed the gap at the summit of the Premier League to just two points.
After their 6-0 victory over West Ham last week, Arsenal wasted no time in finding the back of the net once more. Captain Martin Odegaard broke the deadlock just four minutes into the game with a precise shot into the bottom corner following a pass from Gabriel Martinelli.
Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead from the penalty spot, capitalizing on Lorenz Assignon’s foul on Leandro Trossard inside the box.
We are in a good moment, we have won all of the games so far so it feels good,” Havertz said after the match.
“Behind that was hard work and there are many hard games to come. We have to continue the hard work.”
England forward Saka got his second just after the restart as Arsenal kept up the pace, latching on to a clever Odegaard pass then cutting inside and rifling a shot into the roof of the net.
Havertz saw his initial attempt blocked in the box, but Trossard was quick to react, curling in his third goal in as many league games.
A long throw down the line from Jakub Kiwior then found an unmarked Havertz, who expertly slipped behind the defense to fire past home goalkeeper James Trafford, sealing a convincing victory for Arsenal.
With 21 goals across five consecutive wins, Arsenal are now just two points behind league leaders Liverpool, while Burnley find themselves still in the relegation zone.
Gunners rampant in brilliant away victory
Following their dominant performance at London Stadium last week, the Gunners have made history by beginning a calendar year with five consecutive league victories for the first time ever. Their fluid style of play overwhelmed Burnley as they showcased slick football on the pitch.
The in-form Gunners could have added more goals at Turf Moor, with Trossard coming close on two occasions before finding the back of the net. Havertz’s movement off the ball continuously troubled the opposition, while Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli exchanged positions in the box, posing a consistent threat.
Odegaard led the team by example, scoring his first goal since December 2 and setting up Saka for his second goal. Saka’s recent form is also noteworthy, as he has scored in four consecutive league matches for the first time in his career, tallying six goals across those games, surpassing his previous 19 league appearances.
When Mikel Arteta’s side hit their stride, they prove to be formidable opponents, showcasing their prowess on the field.
“We are really pleased because it is a difficult place to come and Burnley have been very competitive in the big games they have played so far this season,” the Arsenal boss told BBC Match of the Day.
“We are generating competition within the squad. They are a joy to work with, the way they train every day and apply themselves, and how they want to improve.
“They want more – that’s the good thing.”
Goalkeeper David Raya remained untested as Arsenal secured back-to-back clean sheets in the top flight, a feat achieved only for the second time this season.
Arteta’s squad will journey to Porto for the Champions League last 16 clash on Wednesday, followed by a home fixture against Newcastle next Saturday (20:00 GMT), aiming to preserve their perfect start to the new year.
Clarets suffer another damaging home defeat
Burnley suffered a comprehensive defeat at home, delivering a dismal performance that left manager Vincent Kompany despondent in the stands due to a touchline ban.
The Clarets failed to register a single shot on target, a first since Boxing Day, and found themselves under pressure right from the start. Kompany’s team has conceded 26 first-half goals in 25 games, the highest tally in the Premier League this season.
Their defensive woes were highlighted by conceding Arsenal’s fifth goal from a long throw-in and failing to track Havertz’s run into the box. Sitting seven points from safety, Burnley faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
Adding to their woes, midfielder Aaron Ramsey was stretchered off the field with a seemingly serious knee injury, requiring oxygen in the 63rd minute.