Gyokeres strikes as Arsenal top table with win over Burnley
Viktor Gyokeres broke his Premier League scoring slump when table-topping Arsenal defeated Burnley 2-0, pulling seven points ahead of the pack on Saturday.
Gyokeres handed the Gunners the lead via a sharp header, with Declan Rice adding to the scoreline before the interval at Turf Moor.
The Swedish forward had endured five top-flight matches without a goal, amid a lean phase yielding just two strikes across nine outings in various tournaments.
Gyokeres rediscovered his form with his initial league effort since 13 September, marking his sixth overall since joining from Sporting Lisbon during the summer window.
Arsens command in the championship chase may narrow once the weekends remaining fixtures conclude, yet their stunning streak of nine straight wins across competitions sends a clear message to competitors.
Mikel Artetas squad has triumphed in eight of ten league encounters, while their stingy backline remains unpenetrated over seven consecutive games in every format.
Following three straight seasons as Premier League second-placers, Arsenal aim to claim their inaugural English crown since 2004 and their first silverware of any sort since the 2020 FA Cup.
Doubts lingered over Artetas capacity to guide Arsenal to glory prior to the campaign, but the Spaniard has capitalised on title-holders Liverpools downturn to position his charges favourably.
In the thick of a gruelling schedule featuring seven fixtures across 22 days, the Gunners next face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Relentless Arsenal
Arsens exceptional skill from set pieces has earned them the moniker Set-Piece FC this term.
They became the inaugural side in Europes elite five leagues to net 10 times from dead balls this season, repeating the pattern in the 14th minute.
Following Gabriel Magalhaes link-up with Rice to assist Eberechi Ezes decisive goal versus Crystal Palace the prior weekend, the pair orchestrated Gyokeres initial strike.
Rices curling corner found Gabriel, who nodded it back for Gyokeres to convert with a precise near-post header.
This marked the eighth instance of Arsenal converting a corner this season, surpassing any teams tally in their opening 10 Premier League outings.
Burnley struggled against Arsens high-ball onslaught, and Jurrien Timber ought to have extended the advantage when he connected with another Rice corner, only to direct it wide.
Artetas players surged ahead relentlessly, nearly scoring once more as Gyokeres set up Bukayo Saka for a shot tipped aside by Martin Dubravka, followed by Leandro Trossards rebound effort blocked on the line.
Arsens unyielding assault yielded a second in the 35th minute, as Trossards lofted delivery was powered home by Rice beyond Dubravka.
Gyokeres departed before the end, with Mikel Merino substituting at half-time amid yet another health concern for the beleaguered Gunners.
Nonetheless, Arsens superiority ensured Burnley registered zero attempts in the opening hour, allowing the away side to prevail with ease.