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Granit Xhaka was sent off for violent conduct and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored an own goal in Arsenal’s dismal season with a new record with a 1-0 loss to Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
Xhaka was shown a direct red card following a VAR review after he grabbed Ashley Westwood by the neck early in the second half, and Arsenal’s night went from bad to worse when Aubameyang headed a corner kick from the Burnley to his own network (73).
The 10-man hosts tried to bounce back in the final stages, and Bukayo Saka saw a goal effort from James Tarkowski over the bar, but Burnley stood his ground to claim only his second Premier League win of the season.
For Arsenal, the loss extends a terrible streak of form, leaving them with just one win in their last eight Premier League games. It is the first time since 1959 that they have lost four consecutive home games in the league.
The Gunners appeared to be gaining ground after the break at Emirates Stadium, with Nick Pope making a series of saves after a forceful display by the hosts in the first half, but Xhaka’s moment of madness changed the course of the game, racking up the pressure on coach Mikel Arteta.
How Arsenal imploded again
Granit Xhaka received a direct red card early in the second half
Arsenal entered the game looking to secure a win that could transform their season, but Arteta kept faith in his underperforming senior players, making only one change from the loss to Tottenham when Mohamed Elneny replaced the injured Thomas Partey.
The team’s lack of confidence was evident during the first half, especially when they failed to capitalize on a flurry of opportunities in the 12th minute.
First, Alexandre Lacazette failed to connect properly when he was well positioned to score from Willian’s header. The loose ball ran towards Bukayo Saka, who was unable to direct his shot on goal, and then fell on Aubameyang, whose deflected shot hit the side net.
Arsenal were fortunate not to be left behind just a minute later, when the unmarked Chris Wood headed wildly from a center off Burnley’s right.
Arsenal’s Willian vies for possession with Burnley’s Charlie Taylor
It was a break for Arsenal, who again struggled to bring down their opponents at the other end, relying too heavily on hopeful crosses from the flanks.
On the only occasion they passed through Burnley in the first period, Alexandre Lacazette shot too close to Pope from eight meters, allowing the Burnley goalkeeper to make a smart save.
Arsenal started the second period with much greater attacking intent, but continued to squander opportunities when Pope made a series of additional saves.
The Burnley goalkeeper denied Kieran Tierney, Aubameyang and Saka in quick succession, and the Gunners closed in again when another Aubameyang effort, this time from outside the box, swerved and passed very close to the post.
Xhaka seemed to grab Ashley Westwood by the neck
The 2,000 Arsenal fans in the stands showed their appreciation for their team’s improvement, but suddenly the Gunners were reduced to 10 men.
An irate Xhaka first faced Dwight McNeil after fouling Burnley’s winger, then faced Westwood. He was initially shown a yellow card, but referee Graham Scott updated it to red after seeing that the Arsenal midfielder had raised his hands to Westwood’s throat on the court monitor.
Arsenal were perhaps fortunate not to be reduced to nine men when Elneny was only shown a yellow card after she raised her hands to James Tarkowski’s face before a corner kick later in the second half, but when finally took the set piece play, stayed behind.
Burnley celebrates after taking the lead against Arsenal
Aubameyang, out of shape with just one goal in his last 11 Premier League appearances, inadvertently launched the shot into the far corner of his own goal after climbing at the near post with Jordan Brownhill.
Arteta’s men advanced in search of a draw in the final stages, but were unable to bring down Burnley.
There were boos from home fans at the final whistle and the defeat kept them 15th in the Premier League, plunging their season further into crisis.
Whats Next?
Arsenal are back at Emirates Stadium to face Southampton on Wednesday, kicking off at 6pm. Meanwhile, Burnley will travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Thursday, starting at 6pm.
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