Arsenal Player Ratings vs Burnley: Gyökeres Finds His Groove as Rice Dominates in Routine Win for Premier League Leaders

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Another game, another set-piece goal, another statement win — Arsenal’s relentless charge at the top of the Premier League continued on Saturday with a 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.

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Goals from Viktor Gyökeres and Declan Rice ensured Mikel Arteta’s side extended their lead at the summit to seven points, making it nine straight wins in all competitions. The Gunners were in full control from start to finish, showcasing the balance, structure, and ruthlessness that have become their hallmark this season.

Gyökeres Breaks Through as Arsenal Dominate Early

Arsenal could easily have led before their opener, with Bukayo Saka missing a golden chance inside the opening ten minutes. But it didn’t take long for the visitors’ pressure to tell — and, once again, a set piece proved the difference.

On 14 minutes, Declan Rice’s whipped corner caused chaos in the box, and Gyökeres reacted quickest to guide home from close range. It was Arsenal’s eighth set-piece goal in ten league matches, underlining the value of their meticulous work on dead balls.

Before the half-hour mark, Rice turned scorer himself, heading home after a slick counterattack involving Leandro Trossard and Gyökeres. From that point, the game was effectively done, and Arsenal controlled proceedings with ease.

Declan Rice capped a superb performance with a goal and an assist.

Player Ratings (vs Burnley, Premier League)

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10)
Barely tested but remained alert. Distributed well from the back and kept play flowing under Burnley’s sporadic press. A calm, confident outing.

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Jurrien Timber (7/10)
Solid on both ends of the pitch. Made energetic overlapping runs and almost got on the end of a cross when furthest forward. Consistent and disciplined.

William Saliba (7/10)
A surprise inclusion after injury doubts, but you wouldn’t have known it. Dealt with everything that came his way — composed and unflappable as ever.

Gabriel Magalhães (8/10)
Imposing at the back and smart in attack. His cushioned header created the opening for Gyökeres’ goal — a quietly brilliant contribution.

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10)
Linked up beautifully with Trossard down the left flank. Confident in possession and caused problems when joining the attack. Settling in fast.

Midfield

Martín Zubimendi (7/10)
Ran the first half with his passing range. One defence-splitting ball to Trossard was sublime. Limped off later — Arsenal will hope it’s nothing serious.

Declan Rice (9/10) ⭐ Man of the Match
Absolutely everywhere. His header for 2–0 was emphatic, his set-piece delivery lethal, and his work rate relentless. Arsenal’s engine and heartbeat once again.

Eberechi Eze (6/10)
Showed flashes of creativity and movement in the first half but faded after the break. Still finding rhythm in Arsenal’s system.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (6/10)
Not his finest day. Missed two big chances he would normally bury. Worked hard defensively but lacked his usual spark in the final third.

Viktor Gyökeres (8/10)
Finally looked like the striker Arsenal thought they were getting. Took his goal well and was superb in link-up play — particularly in the move for Rice’s goal. Withdrawn at halftime, likely precautionary.

Leandro Trossard (8/10)
Sharp, direct, and creative. His cross for Rice’s header was inch-perfect, and he was denied a goal himself by a goal-line clearance. Continues to thrive under Arteta.

Substitutes & Manager

Mikel Merino (5/10)
Came on for Gyökeres at halftime but struggled to replicate the Swede’s movement or hold-up play. Arsenal’s attacking rhythm dipped after his introduction.

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10)
A bright cameo. Carried the ball with confidence and came close with a driven effort just wide of the post.

Piero Hincapié (6/10)
Steady and disciplined. Valuable minutes for the Ecuadorian as he continues to build match fitness.

Christian Nørgaard (N/A)
Introduced late for Zubimendi. Not enough time to influence proceedings.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A)
A short injury-time runout.

Mikel Arteta (7/10)
Got his tactics spot on again. Arsenal’s control in the first half killed the contest, and the second-half rotation was well-timed ahead of a busy run. The Gunners’ consistency under his watch remains their biggest strength.

Mikel Arteta’s side extended their lead at the top to seven points after a composed display.

Final Verdict

This was the performance of a team that looks every bit like Premier League champions in waiting. Arsenal’s control, confidence, and cohesion were too much for a Burnley side chasing shadows.

With Rice running the show, Gyökeres finding his rhythm, and Arteta’s tactical rotation keeping the side fresh, the Gunners look a class apart. The message to the chasing pack? Arsenal aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

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