The Gunners snatched a vital win at the death against Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday evening to move up to 2nd place on the Premier League table, with the title race now much more interesting as a result.
Arsenal’s first goal didn’t come until almost the one hour mark after an unmarked Mustafi headed in Ozil’s corner, but the hosts were soon dealt a huge blow after Xhaka was sent off for a double-legged tackle on Defour.
Burnley sent more men forward after then as they sought an equalizer for the shares of the spoils, and one did come just right after regulation time as Gray converted from the spot after Coquelin tripped Barnes inside the box.
It seemed the visitors would leave the Emirates with a point until Mee’s high boot caught Koscielny’s head in the dying seconds of the game, leading to an Arsenal penalty which Sanchez calmly converted.
Here is how the Gunners’ performances are rated:
Cech
Failed to save yet another penalty for Arsenal but was on hand to help save few Burnley attempts on goal.
Rating: 7/10
Gabriel
Still didn’t do impressively well on the attack but was solid at the back to help keep the visitors from scoring from open play.
Rating: 7/10
Mustafi
Was defensively solid at the back to keep Gray in check while he opened his Arsenal account with a goal that proved helpful in the very end.
Rating: 8/10
Koscielny
Engaged in physical tussles with Gray and didn’t do bad.
He was a constant goal threat during the set pieces and eventually won the penalty that brought the winning goal.
Rating: 8/10
Monreal
The Spaniard helped with attacking duties alongside Sanchez on the left flank and did help send out constant crosses into the box.
An inspired display from the left-back who also attempted a fine effort on goal.
Rating: 7/10
Xhaka
Was doing well until a retributive tackle earned him a straight red card.
His 2nd sending off this season came close to costing the Gunners useful points, and he would now sit out of the next 3 games as a result.
Rating: 4/10
Ramsey
Covered many distances as he put in a tireless performance in the middle of the park to help the team’s cause in a much more improved performance from the Welsh.
Rating: 7/10
Iwobi
Wasn’t able to inspire proceedings with his attacks and was sacrificed for Coquelin after Xhaka’s sending off.
Rating: 6/10
Ozil
Dictated the pace of the game and provided Mustafi’s goal with a well-taken corner kick.
Rating: 8/10
Sanchez
Another hardworking display from the Chilean who saw Heaton and the Burnley defence deny his efforts.
He did finally get a deserved goal – his 15th of the season to win all 3 points.
Rating: 9/10
Giroud
Underwhelming display from the French striker who failed to register any worthwhile attempt all game.
Rating: 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Coquelin
He was seconds away from costing Arsenal crucial 2 points until the late spot kick came to his rescue.
Rating: 4/10
Welbeck
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available
Bellerin
Late Sub.
Rating: Not Available