Arsenal battled out a 3-1 Premier League victory at home to Burnley on Saturday afternoon despite Fabio Vieira’s late dismissal.

In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal showcased a change in their playing style as they faced Burnley in the Premier League. Contrary to the stereotypes associated with both teams, Arsenal employed a tactic of utilizing high balls into the box, which proved to be effective as they scored all three of their goals through this approach.

The match started with Burnley holding their ground well, adopting a narrow and compact 4-4-2 formation to disrupt Arsenal’s attacks. With key players like Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey absent due to ιnjury, Arsenal relied heavily on crosses into the box in their attempts to break the deadlock.

Burnley defended resolutely, dealing with Arsenal’s initial 20 crosses without conceding. However, just before halftime, Bukayo Saka managed to connect with an arcing ball delivered by Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Leandro Trossard seized the opportunity at the back post to head Arsenal into the lead.

Despite their advantage, Arsenal seemed fatigued from their recent Champions League victory over Sevilla. Burnley’s Luca Koleosho, an energetic presence, capitalized on the momentary lapse in Arsenal’s defense and set up Josh Brownhill for an equalizing goal with a low strike that took a deflection.

However, Arsenal responded swiftly, retaking the lead within three minutes. William Saliba rose above the Burnley defense to meet Trossard’s corner and directed a powerful header past goalkeeper James Trafford.

Recognizing Burnley’s vulnerability to aerial threats, Arsenal continued their onslaught of high balls into the box. Saliba came close to scoring again, hitting the crossbar from another Trossard corner, but Zinchenko displayed exceptional skill with an acrobatic volley that found the back of the net.

The closing stages of the match saw added tension as Patrick Vieira, Arsenal’s player, received a straight red card for a challenge that left Josh Brownhill injured. Despite late pressure from Burnley, Arsenal held firm defensively, securing a hard-fought victory.

With this win, Arsenal moved level on points with league leaders Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola. On the other hand, Burnley finds themselves near the bottom of the Premier League table.

Arsenal player ratings (4-3-3)

David Raya – 6/10 – Quick to drop low to make a save if required.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5/10 – Started so well against Koleosho but couldn’t contain the young talent for all 90 minutes.

William Saliba – 8/10 – Unflappable in the extreme. Opened his scoring account of the season to cap another superb display.

Gabriel – 7/10 – Dominant in both boxes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8/10 – Wreaking havoc in all three thirds, a sweet strike was worthy of a return to his best.

Kai Havertz – 4/10 – Desperately lacking in conviction in every action, whether it was taking a shot, picking out a teammate or even tying his laces.

Jorginho – 6/10 – On the limited occasions when he committed to a challenge in transition, Jorginho came out on top more often than not.

Declan Rice – 4/10 – Struggled to exert his usual influence over proceedings, seems wasted high up against opponents that spend most of their time sitting back.

Bukayo Saka – 7/10 – An eel on Arsenal’s right flank, repeatedly twisting away from Charlie Taylor.

Leandro Trossard – 8/10 – As late as the halfway point of the opening 45 minutes, Trossard had completed fewer passes than his manager. Fair to sаy he grew into a game which included a goal and an assist.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10 – Flitted in and out of the contest.