Burnley 1 Arsenal 1 + Injury update

A rare mid-week premier league fixture this evening as Arsenal took on Burnley. Arsenal, once again away from home, looking to close the gap between the teams at the top of the table.

A 1st minute chance fell to Arsenal when Burnley man Myers slipped, Cesc Fabregas stole the ball and was able to shoot but the shot was blocked off.

An early chance came with an early scare. Carlisle was able to head a free-kick towards goal, Vermaelen knocked it backwards, which looked to be heading goalwards but fortunately Almunia was able to get a hand on it to direct it onto the bar and off it for a corner. That was a close shave!

7 minutes and a goal! Burnley gave away the ball just outside the box, Cesc was able to dispossess and worked his way to find some space and slotted it in the bottom corner. 1-0 to Arsenal!

A succession of chances for Arsenal after the goal but nothing comes of them all. Cesc made another run into the box, taking a volley which hit the side netting. Then Nasri charged past the defence but his touch was a bit too heavy, leaving Jensen to collect. Vermaelen also took a shot but was well-wide.

15 minutes in and Burnley win a free-kick. Eagles delivered the ball, Caldwell leaped up well, with Almunia nowhere near the ball. Luckily for Arsenal the header was well over.

Arsenal attack again after Nasri and Arshavin combine, Arshavin took his shot, which rattled the left hand post. So close, yet again!

Well past the 20 minute mark and Burnley seem to keep giving the ball away. Arsenal looked to be happy in terms of possession, but the finish still was lacking.

30 minutes in and Burnley were awarded a penalty. Vermaelen left his foot in on a challenge on Bikey. Alexander stepped up to score his 100th penalty in league football. All equal at 1-1.

32 minutes in and Arshavin looked to help Arsenal take the lead once again, almost immediately but his shot was stopped by Jensen.

Another chance for Cesc after he skipped away from McDonald, he planted his shot over the bar though!

37 minutes in and Sagna, Walcott, Fabregas and Arshavin combined. Arshavin took a shot which found its way to the hands of Jensen.

44 minutes in and bad news for the Gunners. Cesc Fabregas was substituted for Ramsey. Cesc seemed to have picked up a knock.

A couple of chances for both sides but nothing of major substance. Vermaelen has a chance at the 45 minute mark to make up for his previous mistake when he leapt to head a corner, but it was well stopped by Jensen.

Half-time scoreline: Burnley 1 Arsenal 1

Early into the second half and Gallas had a pop at goal from a distance. It went straight into the stands.

51 minutes in and some sticky moments for Arsenal. Gallas played a not-so-good pass to Almunia, who did not make the best of clearances. The ball landed to Bikey who fortunately for the Gunners scuffed his shot.

56 minutes in and Walcott seemed to be finally finding the ball, although not too much luck with his decision-making after he chooses to go it alone when he really should have crossed.

60 minutes in and another scare for Arsenal. Eagles went on a run, passing Silvestre with ease. He approached the goal on an angle and fired it in – it rattled off the post.

Arsenal seem to have gone flat in the second half.

68 minutes and Burnley thought they had scored after Fletcher put the ball into the back of the net from a cross, but he was offside!

76 minutes in and Song delivered a good ball towards the path of Eduardo. The Croatian failed to commit and Jensen collected the ball.

78 minutes in and a display of typical Arsenal sharp passing but nothing comes of it. Arshavin got in the box and looked to cut it back, but the Burnley defence managed to clear from a threatening position.

Some nice passing from Arsenal but no way through to goal! 88 minutes in and Eduardo had a shot but once again saved by Jensen.

Closing minutes of the game and Gallas should have scored! A long ball was played in and Gallas could have headed it in. Not enough pace on the ball, so it land in Jensen’s hands.

Full-time score Burnley 1 Arsenal 1.
Full match report here.

Seriously! Very disappointed, even though we did not lose! I thought the first 5 minutes before the goal were shaky and then we had many chances but could not put them away. Then we lost Cesc, I hope he is alright. All down-hill from there!
On the bright side, 1 point is better than none.

I have added a number of pictures of Cesc from the match in the latest photos section.

What did you guys think of the match?

Injury update:
Cesc should be back in 10 days. Wenger said: “We’ve not had the scan result yet, the only sure thing is he won’t play on Saturday.

“If it is a tear it is a small one and the maximum would be 10 days. So it is not long-term.”

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