Arsene Wenger’s last home match in charge of the Gunners, in the very stadium he built 12 years ago was as emotional as it could get. One thing for certain is next season will be strange, seeing a different face other than Wenger’s in the dugout for Arsenal, as the board continue structuring for the betterment of the team.
No Ozil in the matchday squad, as he claimed yet another illness after his poor piece of display in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final. He let not just himself down, the rest of the players, fans and even Arsene Wenger. For his last home game, Wenger selected Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Mavropanos, Sead Kolasinac, Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandra Lacazette.
It was a good game for the host, filled with goals to make the end of Wenger’s era – a man that made the team bigger than what it is. Arsenal ran riot against Burnley, who have been impressive in this League campaign, thrashing the visitors 5-0. Mavropanos and Chambers looked very solid at the back and could go on leading the Gunners backline with age on their side.
Aubameyang got the Gunners rolling in the 14th minute, following a pleasing piece of play between Lacazette and Iwobi. Lacazette at the heart of the attack played a short pass to Iwobi, who gave a lofty pass to Lacazette in-between two Burnley players; as the Frenchman, upon receiving the pass struck the ball with real venom but Aubameyang anticipated the play and was at the right place to tap home for the Arsenal.
In the closing stage of the first half, the Gunners doubled their lead with a deft finish from Lacazette who has been impressive since his return from injury. Hector Bellerin got a hold of his crossings in this game and provided a cross into the path of an advancing Lacazette after a through ball from Iwobi – slotting the ball into the corner of Pope’s post to bring about a reign of cheers in the Emirates.
Arsenal registered their third in the 54th minute through Kolasinac, after a beautiful piece of play by Jack Wilshere, who is England’s best player and should be on the plane to Russia. Wilshere created the goal for his counterpart, bursting through from the midfield to open up the play for his team, finding Kolasinac who was isolated before thumping in a bullet-shot with his left foot – into the corner of the post.
The Gunners still were far from being done with their scoring and Iwobi added his name on the scoresheet. Aubameyang who was a torn in the flesh for Burnley with his pace, aided Iwobi to his goal, cutting in from the wing and provided a pass to Iwobi, who was unmarked and unleashed a thumping into the top corner of Burnley’s keeper.
Aubameyang who started the scoring got the last goal of the game with yet another tap-in. Burnley’s defence wasn’t an organised one which Bellerin took advantage of and delivered a low cross in for Aubameyang who anticipated the ball well again, doing the needful to send the ball beyond the keeper’s reach.
Welbeck who was a substitute for Lacazette got the opportunity to add his to the scoresheet but was denied by the woodwork. Mkhitaryan did well to set up the Englishman with a lovely layup, as he seemed composed, taking his time before unleashing a venomous shot at goal but rattled off the post.
A good day it was to be a Gooner and say farewell to the man who changed the game of football and how it ought to be played, bringing about finesse and entertainment to the beautiful game of football like we know it. Thank you, Arsene for the incredible works you’ve done in the world of football and really there can only be one Arsene Wenger #MerciArsene.
