Clarets turf out Gunners

McDonald nets twice as Burnley reach the semi-finals

Last updated: 2nd December 2008

burnley celebrate arsenal carling cup

Burnley celebrate famous win

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Burnley's giant-killing spree in the Carling Cup continued after a 2-0 win over Arsenal's rookies in the quarter-final at Turf Moor.

Kevin McDonald struck in each half as Owen Coyle's men followed up victories over Fulham and Chelsea with a richly-deserved success over the Gunners.

The Championship side took the lead after just six minutes when McDonald slotted into the net after Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski had failed to collect Chris Eagles' low cross.

Gunners striker Nicklas Bendtner was denied by Brian Jensen either side of McDonald's opener, and the Burnley keeper also made a smart save to thwart Carlos Vela.

Fran Merida came close to a brilliant solo goal early in the second half before McDonald, who scored his first goal for Burnley at the weekend, grabbed his second of the night on 57 minutes.

He anticipated Eagles' quick throw-in and, after getting the better of Mark Randall, flicked a nonchalant finish past Fabianski and inside the far post.

Though Jensen kept his side in it on occasions, Burnley's football was more than a match for a fledgling Arsenal side that had ripped apart Sheffield United and Wigan in previous rounds.

Capital Punishment III

The match was locally billed as 'Capital Punishment III' after Chelsea and Fulham were put to the sword in previous rounds - and it lived up to expectations.

Yet Arsenal almost took the lead before McDonald made the breakthrough when Merida released Bendtner, however Jensen stayed alert and diverted the striker's effort to safety.

Burnley took the lead in the sixth minute after Chris Eagles swung in a superb cross from the right and Arsenal could not clear their lines after Fabianski failed to gather the ball.

McDonald took full advantage to score from the edge of the six-yard box to put the the second-tier side in the driving seat - and they never looked back.

Arsenal were stung and Bendtner sprung the offside trap in the ninth minute after a good through-ball from Vela but Jensen was equal to his effort.

Then Martin Paterson skipped away from Kieran Gibbs but his shot carried little power and the goalkeeper was able to make a comfortable save.

Burnley were dictating the pace against their inexperienced opponents and Robbie Blake tested Fabianski in the 28th minute.

The young Arsenal goalkeeper looked nervous and spilled his effort, only to recover in time and take the ball off Paterson's toes.

Paterson should have extended Burnley's lead when he stole in on the blindside but only succeeded in rattling a shot against Fabianski's body.

Arsenal responded in the 37th minute and Bendtner sent Randall clear with a clever flick. Randall had only Jensen to beat but the goalkeeper stood tall to make the block.

The goalkeeper was again proving difficult to beat after an impressive display in the victory against Chelsea.

It looked as though Vela would equalise in the 41st minute but Jensen cleared the danger.

Merida came close after 49 minutes when he weaved his way into the penalty area but failed to test Jensen, curling his effort just wide.

Burnley extended their lead in the 57th minute with McDonald again showing a cool head when needed.

Randall was caught napping when Eagles delivered a throw-in and McDonald raced clear before curling a delightful shot into the far corner with the outside of his right boot.

Uphill task

This was an uphill task now for Arsenal and Wenger responded by bringing on Jay Simpson for Jack Wilshere in a bid to turn things around.

Simpson had shown his potential in the last round with a brace in the victory against Wigan.

However, Paterson should have made it 3-0 in the 65th minute only to send a soft header into Fabianski's arms following a cross from Blake.

Burnley were happy to knock the ball around and keep possession but Arsenal still looked dangerous going forward.

Bendtner should have pulled a goal back with three minutes remaining but the striker failed to capitalise on a good ball from Vela to put the seal on a miserable night for the Gunners.

BurnleyTeam StatisticsArsenal
2Goals0
11st Half Goals0
8Shots on Target9
3Shots off Target4
3Blocked Shots1
3Corners1
13Fouls12
3Offsides2
0Yellow Cards2
0Red Cards0
68.2Passing Success81
35Tackles23
80Tackles Success82.6
39.6Possession60.4
52.1Territorial Advantage47.9

Comments

John Chambers (Arsenal fan) says...

As an Arsenal supporter I want to be the first to congratulate Burnley. They came out and played, and even though we lost it was one of the most entertaining football matches I have seen this season. The kids played great, but I think what showed today was a lack of composure which will come with more experience. Confidence could have been low playing way from home for the first time, but the class was on display. Unlucky for Merida as it could have been one of the best goals of the tournament. Better luck next year boys

Posted 22:41 2nd December 2008

Jamie Furniss (Sheffield United fan) says...

A great entertaining game to watch. You do have to admit though that if the game took place at the Emirates then I don't think the scoreline would have been the same. I think the Blades have a tough encounter coming their way on Saturday when It's back to league action for the Clarets, hopefully we'll overtake them. Well done Burnley!

Posted 22:25 2nd December 2008

Alex Birchley (Aston Villa fan) says...

A deserved victory for Burnley. Once again the Gunners are undone because they persist in this silly policy of fielding under-strength teams in this competition. Serves them right. I bet Arsene Wenger is sick of the sight of Claret and Blue...

Posted 22:02 2nd December 2008

Lochlainn Wilkinson (Arsenal fan) says...

Unlucky lads. There are positives to take from this game though. Merida was very good today. I think Wenger will finally realise that Bendtner has no use playing at a club like Arsenal. He had too many opportunity's and he could have won the game for us. At the end of the day, Wenger is blooding youngsters and this was an important lesson for them. They can only learn from matches like this.

Posted 21:46 2nd December 2008

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