5 things we learnt from Burnley’s last-gasp loss to Arsenal

A controversial 93rd minute from defender Laurent Koscielny secured all three points for Arsenal at newly promoted Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday, despite the ball striking his elbow before crossing the line after deflecting home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s initial effort.

The Frenchman’s effort was allowed however, and ultimately, sealed the Gunners’ fifth straight victory.

Koscielny reacts after scoring the winning goal – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Meanwhile for the Clarets, their fourth defeat of the league campaign saw Sean Dyche’s side slip to 14th in the standings after failing to cling onto a point at Turf Moor.

Here are five things that SHOOT learnt after their last-gasp loss to Arsenal…

Video Technology

Burnley boss, Dyche – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The case for technology to come in and assist referees could not have been placed under greater spotlight than when Koscielny handled the ball into the net, whilst being in an offside position, six seconds over the allotted time added on.

Dyche alluded to it post-match, that “six seconds doesn’t sound a lot, but it’s enough time to score a goal”.

According to the Professional Game Match Officials, “the referee can stop the game at any junction”. So the decision by Craig Pawson to allow the corner will leave Burnley aggrieved.

In my opinion, referees would benefit from an extra pair of eyes that could relay information back to the man on the pitch in roughly 15 seconds.

Goal-line technology has improved the game, this will do so further.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson

The Gunners’ Alex Iwobi is tackled by Gudmundsson – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

The man who played every minute for Iceland at the Euros took a little time to settle at Turf Moor.

However, the former Charlton Athletic man looks a real player and a source of creativity for the Clarets.

Operating on the right-hand side, he cuts in on his favoured left and his low centre of gravity makes him a handful for defenders.

At 25-years-old, you’d surmise that he will only get better, he forced Petr Cech into a smart save with a header, put in some telling crosses and is enhancing his reputation with every game.

4-5-1

Summer signing, Hendrick – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The enforced formation change turns the Clarets into a different animal when attacking; Jeff Hendrick is certainly the most advanced out the midfield three.

Dean Marney sits at the base of the midfield, with Steven Defour operating between the two. The problem occurs, however, with the isolation of Sam Vokes, the Welshman cut a lonely figure up front and although the Clarets are more suited to this formation against the top six teams, a man with pace to hit teams on the break may be a better option.

The problem with having 10-men behind the ball, nullifying teams like Arsenal, is that you need to go from defence to attack, directly, and at pace. This didn’t happen for the Clarets yesterday who rely heavily on set pieces.

On the flanks, George Boyd and Gudmundsson are absolutely critical to Burnley achieving success in the way they play. The work wide men have to do for Burnley is a theme that runs through Dyche sides, if wingers cannot put a defensive shift in, they will not be selected.

They operate as extra full-backs when the Clarets are defending and try to support Vokes at the other end. It isn’t conducive to exciting football, but a fundamental part of the Burnley style of play.

Micheal Keane

SHOOT’s Burnley blogger, Jordan, believes Keane deserved an England call-up – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The boy is worth every penny of the £25m being banded about for him.

He was magnificent against the Gunners and quite rightly was awarded the man of the match. The central defender, a £2.25m capture from Manchester United, has been one of the stand out English defenders this season and if you’re picking on form, he would be in the England set-up over Gary Cahill at the moment.

You’d surmise that Gareth Southgate knows the defender well as they worked together for the England Under-21’s.

“If Gareth calls me, he would certainly get my backing,” they were the words of manager Dyche after questions were put to him about Keane and England.

One thing is for sure, if the Burnley number five continues to improve, he will be hard for the national team to ignore.

Almost a defensive masterclass

Arsenal’s Sanchez had scored three goals in two games prior to his side’s visit to Turf Moor – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Burnley had none of the ball, sat 10-men deep, keeping the back four tight and narrow. Only the most ardent tactical fan would enjoy watching football in this style, however, it was a fascinating to watch Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and the like trying to work in the smallest of spaces on a crowed Turf Moor pitch.

Arsenal played in areas that Burnley wanted them to. Only Hull City have faced more shots (93) at home than Burnley (84), yet the Clarets have only conceded three goals.

Fantastic defending is often overlooked in the game, but this was a masterclass in how to suffocate free flowing Arsenal. If it wasn’t for the controversy at the end it would have been clean sheet, to add to the one against another free-flowing side, Liverpool.