Arsenal vs Burnley. Premier League.
Emirates StadiumAttendance60,214.
Report and highlights as Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang score to give Arsenal victory
Saturday 17 August 2019 19:46, UK
Arsenal made it two wins from two matches to start the Premier League season as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Burnley.
Alexandre Lacazette's early opener was cancelled out by Ashley Barnes in the 43rd minute as Burnley's direct approach caused Arsenal problems.
But Aubameyang struck a fine goal from outside the box in the 64th minute to secure victory for the Gunners.
It is the first time Arsenal - who next travel to Liverpool, live on Sky Sports next Saturday - have won their opening two games of a Premier League season in 10 years.
Arsenal took the lead in the 13th minute as Lacazette got the ball with his back to goal from a corner, and held off two defenders, as he turned and finished while falling to the ground.
But Burnley responded well to the setback and regularly threatened from set-pieces.
Arsenal managed to survive and went close as Nick Pope saved from Joe Willock and Matteo Guendouzi.
However, Burnley deservedly levelled in the 43rd minute when Dwight McNeil's shot deflected through for Barnes and he finished from close range.
Although Arsenal had a goal ruled out for a close offside call before the break, they improved in the second half and managed to reduce Burnley's opportunities in the final third.
Aubameyang shot over and was then denied by a good save from Pope, who also tipped a curling effort from Dani Ceballos around the post.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 64th minute when Ceballos won the ball in the Burnley half and found Aubameyang, who beat Pope with a fine shot into the bottom corner.
Arsenal could have added to their lead as Pope saved well from Lucas Torreira, but the Gunners also withstood a late spell of pressure that saw Pope go up for two corners and Jay Rodriguez fire over the bar from an overhead kick.
The Real Madrid loanee received a standing ovation when he was taken off in the 82nd minute after an impressive display.
He had the most touches (97), created the most chances (four), and attempted the most passes (70) of any Arsenal player.
"What we wanted to create was a big atmosphere with our supporters together today and this season.
"Today, with some new players, they made an impact in the first match here. We created this atmosphere today, also with some other players, like (Joe) Willock, who played very well.
"We can also say that the young players have the chance to play, and you need to do this stop - and he did. I think you can speak about all the team because we worked together with an individual quality and capacity, but above all thinking like a team.
"Also, creating something special for each match with our supporters here at the Emirates. I think today we did that."
"The game is in a really poor state for players diving, feigning injuries, all sorts.
"I found it peculiar. I was at a Premier League meeting a couple of weeks ago and they told us the worst that can happen is a yellow card. So basically every player in the Premier League can cheat at least once a game.
"Have you ever thought about that? I don't know any sport where they tell you that you can cheat once a game. I've never seen that in sport before.
"It's not about Arsenal. It's about the greater good of the game. The game is in a really poor state, with players literally falling on the floor."
Asked for how he would solve the issue, Dyche replied: "Simple. Ban them."
He said post-match: "I'm so happy to be here and try to do my job and also to enjoy with these quality players.
"This team has a lot to do, it can improve a lot and fight for other competitions.
"We're going step-by-step, working hard and it's a pleasure to be here because everybody's humble, everybody wants to learn, everybody wants to improve and we want to make this club shine again."
Alexandre Lacazette has been directly involved in 28 goals (21 goals and seven assists) in 36 Premier League appearances for Arsenal at the Emirates, the joint-most of any player for the club since his debut in August 2017 (also 21 goals and seven assists for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang).
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has lost all nine of his Premier League matches against Arsenal - the joint worst 100% losing ratio by a manager against an opponent in the competition along with Gary Megson against Liverpool (9/9).
Arsenal travel to Liverpool next Saturday (5.30pm) while Burnley travel to Wolves (4.30pm) on Sunday, with both games live on Sky Sports.
