Arsenal thumped Burnley 5-0 at the Emirates to give a fitting send-off for Arsene Wenger as he managed his last ever home game on Sunday.
Arsenal produced a complete performance to down Burnley 5-0, in what was a perfect send-off for Arsene Wenger in his final home game. It was a game of high emotion and something the players were well aware of from the start, which perhaps brought the best out of them.
The goals came from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2), Alexandre Lacazette, Sead Kolasinac and Alex Iwobi. Arsenal went ahead with Aubameyang and Lacazette doubled their lead at the stroke of half-time. The hosts continued their attacking streak in the second period and produced three more outstanding goals.
Total Wengerball.#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/WbzndydDU8
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 6, 2018
The win also saw Per Mertesacker make his final appearance in front of the Emirates crowd as he and the Arsenal defence ended the game with a clean sheet. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Arsene Wenger’s men.
Petr Cech – 7
Nothing to do the whole evening, barring a few shots and one close-range header from Sam Vokes. Distributed the ball well and took home a deserved clean sheet.
Hector Bellerin – 8
Better from the Spaniard compared to his midweek performance. Was a great attacking outlet from the right and provided two assists for Aubameyang and Lacazette. Need more of such performances next season from Bellerin and on consistent levels.
Calum Chambers – 8
Chambers’ recent performances have seen him finally make good on the promise that he showed at Southampton before Arsenal bought him. He has performed consistently in past weeks, and against Burnley, it was a simple, yet terrific performance at the heart of the defence.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 8
It’s now two games and two astute performances in central defence from Mavropanos. It is clear from his showings as to why Wenger did not sanction a loan move for the young Greek. Top class outing in what felt like he was beating Burnley at their own game.
Sead Kolasinac – 8
If Bellerin provided the ammunition on the opposite flank, Kolasinac was the gun himself. A fantastic rocket of a strike for Arsenal’s third goal. Excellent return from a recent injury and he would want to continue impressing in the last remaining games to show the new manager his talents.
Jack Wilshere – 8
A performance reminiscent of Wilshere of the old. The Englishman hasn’t had a complete midfield performance of late, and the one he put up against Burnley will undoubtedly improve his confidence. A superb, accelerated drive from midfield to set up Kolasinac for Arsenal’s third showed glimpses of what he has been missing since those numerous injuries.
Granit Xhaka – 8
Xhaka is steadily becoming Arsenal’s chief man in midfield. Xhaka, Already known for his passing abilities, he is starting to set the tempo of the games really well – an ability he seems to have acquired over the course of the season. His vision, especially against Burnley, was exceptional and it seemed like he started every one of the Arsenal attacks.
Alex Iwobi – 8
Iwobi seems to be Arsene Wenger’s last grand experiment before departing. In what was another outing in central midfield, the Nigerian did a fantastic job, driving forward with purpose and always being an outlet in and around the Burnley box. Scored a goal, but it was only the complementary part of his performance on Sunday.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 9
Mkhitaryan’s presence surely adds a different zip and creativity to Arsenal’s attack. It’s a wonder how he ended the game without a goal or an assist after an immense contribution in the final third. Had a chance to score too, but his curled left footer went agonisingly close.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 9.5
Two goals and one assist to his name make him the natural choice for man of the match. On top of that, he used his speed and some nice touches to perfect use to create more chances. Could have scored a hat-trick but passed up the ball for Welbeck to score. Exciting signs for the future, with the Gabonese leading the attack.
Alexandre Lacazette – 9
Lacazette completed Arsenal’s strong front three on the night, providing signs of what the future might hold. Scored a goal and provided an assist, but his overall gameplay was more impressive. It was rather surprising when he was taken off, but Arsenal were entirely in control of the game then.
Substitutes
Aaron Ramsey – 7
Replaced the impressive Wilshere, and was immediately involved in Arsenal’s fluid attacking play. Had the chance to score as well, but missed and played a big part in Arsenal’s fifth goal, scored by Aubameyang.
Danny Welbeck – 6
Rattled the post with one vicious shot and spurred a difficult chance set up by Aubameyang. Overall he has been exceptional in much of recent games and has shown Arsenal why he deserves a new contract.
Per Mertesacker – 6
Came on to a rousing reception as he too, was featuring for the last time in front of the home crowd. Maintained composure and one excellent play to get the ball out of a tight position reminded everyone of what Mertesacker has been all about.
