Arsenal's set pieces produce such a level of organised chaos and creative tactics they could receive nominations for a contemporary art award. Instead, they are just making themselves as leading candidates for the English top flight championship after extending their advantage at the top.
Nodded finishes from the Swedish striker and the England midfielder were the key contribution at Burnley's ground on what was a straightforward afternoon in the north-west. Burnley were unable to have a shot on target as the visitors earned a fifth consecutive top-flight win, the past four keeping clean sheets.
"Another set piece olé olé," was the song resounding from the away end after a tough start against a high-energy Burnley side. Rice sent in the set-piece to the back post from where the Brazilian defender flicked the ball across to the middle of the goal and Gyökeres converted from close range for Arsenal's twelfth set-piece goal in the league this campaign.
Following the goal, the London side controlled the ball. Each corner kick provoked a roar from the away support and a anxious silence from the home crowd at the stadium, worried about what would come. Significant attempts were made to keep Martin Dubravka from advancing to collect, and he succeeded to clear one curling cross away from beneath the crossbar as the intensity mounted.
The home team were unable to make it a contest, deploying all their players behind the ball to frustrate their opponents. Dubravka did well against Bukayo Saka, when the forward was through one-on-one, to make sure the advantage was not doubled.
Arsenal commenced to break through, wearing them down from dominating possession, with Saka and Eberechi Eze offering the speed to exploit the openings. Saka saw a further chance saved by the keeper and the substitute saw the follow-up stopped on the line. Vincent Kompany's men were holding on and working hard to do so.
Finally the second Arsenal strike did come from a throw-in, it simply occurred to be off their own play. The visitors defended the ball and countered quickly, culminating with Trossard clipping to the charging Rice to finally give the goalie no hope, crushing the host’s morale in the process.
Burnley did not have any efforts in the opening period and the prospect of them making a comeback looked unlikely. The ground was muted, resigned of their second successive top division loss at home since returning to the top flight, aware their survival will not be decided by the visit of the likes of Arsenal.
There was no pressing need to add another from Arsenal, maybe with consideration for the midweek match to Slavia Prague, happy to let Burnley have the ball. Arsenal sailed through the remaining period, justifiably assured Burnley lacked the quality to penetrate their defence on their way to seventh consecutive cleansheet in all competitions.
Arsenal have always avoided defeat at Turf Moor in the domestic league and their latest victory proved the team's structure is able to navigate challenging fixtures without concern. The Gunners are not worried about who they face but their foes absolutely are.
