No fire power

Phil says that Arsenal are lacking a quality finisher

Last updated: 7th March 2010  

No fire power

Thompson: not impressed with Arsenal's strike power

He had two absolute sitters right in the six yard box and has missed them both. It was astonishing.

Phil Thompson
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Arsenal 3-1 Burley
Soccer Saturday analysis

Phil Thompson was impressed with Arsenal's creative play but says they desperately need a proper striker.

Arsenal moved level on points with Chelsea after they produced a convincing 3-1 win over Burnley at the Emirates.

The hosts enjoyed almost complete dominance in the first half but had to wait until the 34th minute to take the lead. Midfield duo Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas linked up when the former dinked a ball over the Clarets back-line and the latter slotted the ball into the net.

The Gunners continued to have the upper hand after the break but were pegged back against the run of play when David Nugent stole in behind the defence and lobbed the ball over Manuel Almunia.

But Arsenal provided the perfect response when Theo Walcott cut in from the right and rifled the ball home with his left foot.

The margin of victory could have been far greater but Nicklas Bendtner spurned several guilt-edged chances before being substituted. Arsenal finished strongly, though, as Jensen pushed Walcott's curling effort behind before Arshavin stroked in a third during stoppage time.

"They were very good," Phil told Soccer Saturday. "They have passed well and created chances especially in the second half but I'm sorry that I have written down here that they need a striker - a proper striker who can score goals. The number of chances that they had today - Bendtner well he could of had six.

"He had two absolute sitters right in the six yard box and has missed them both. It was astonishing."

Phil was pleased with Theo Walcott's performance especially in the second half where he took on the defence a lot more.

"The first half reminded me so much of his Wembley performance the other night but in the second half maybe he was told to be a bit more aggressive and he put in some great deliveries," added Phil.

As for Burnley well they are just not good enough at the back. It was a good goal, don't get me wrong, but in this type of company they are just not good enough."

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