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 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
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 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.
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However, Burnley deservedly levelled in the 43rd minute when Dwight McNeil’s shot deflected through for Barnes who finished from close range.
Arsenal had a goal ruled out for a close offside call before the break, and they improved in the second half and managed to reduce Burnley’s opportunities in the final third.
Aubameyang’s 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 also withstood a late spell of pressure that saw Pope go up for two corners.