“Embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace,” claimed Mikel Arteta after VAR controversy saw his Arsenal side slump to a first league defeat of the season against Newcastle United.
The Spaniard felt Anthony Gordon’s goal should have been ruled out during the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park last weekend, launching into a quite astonishing rant after the final whistle on Tyneside.
Arteta will have to keep a calmer head when his side host Burnley in the Premier League this weekend, a fixture in which VAR hopefully takes a backseat. Arsenal welcome the struggling newly-promoted Clarets to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday as they look to bounce back from two successive domestic defeats.
A commanding 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League will have helped, but Arteta has a few selection headaches and injury dilemmas ahead of Burnley’s visit.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up against Burnley this Saturday in the Premier League.
GK: David Raya – Despite some shaky recent performances, Arteta has kept faith in Raya. The Brentford loanee has started almost every single game since coming into the starting lineup and Aaron Ramsdale is unlikely to usurp him this weekend.
RB: Ben White – A constant at right-back, White has been largely irreplaceable for Arsenal this season.
CB: William Saliba – Another largely impressive showing against Sevilla on Wednesday night as he continues to develop into one of the best centre-backs in world football. Another irreplaceable asset for Arteta.
CB: Gabriel – With Lyle Foster sidelined for the trip to the Emirates, Gabriel may have a fairly routine afternoon on Saturday. The Brazilian is unlikely to be too busy.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Came on at half-time against Sevilla after initially being rested. The Ukrainian is likely to operate almost entirely as a midfielder against Burnley, but will have to be wary of the pace of the visiting wingers.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Potentially in line to return to the starting lineup after several games out, with Arsenal missing his creativity in central areas. The Norwegian could have a field day against Burnley.
CM: Declan Rice – Such an influential character in the central areas and could play in a deeper role to facilitate more attack-minded midfield teammates.
CM: Kai Havertz – The jury is still out on Havertz but he showed encouraging signs against Sevilla in midweek. The German is still struggling to get to grips with life in north London and Arteta is still identifying how best to utilise the 24-year-old.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Arteta is hopeful of having the influential winger back for the Burnley clash after he suffered a slight knock against Sevilla. Saka managed a goal and an assist against the La Liga side and will be aiming to add to his tally at the weekend.
ST: Eddie Nketiah – A repeat of his hat-trick against Sheffield United two weeks ago could be on the cards against another vulnerable defence. However, there are some slight concerns over the striker’s fitness, meaning midweek goalscorer Leandro Trossard could keep his place.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Despite not managing a heap of goals and assists in recent weeks, the Brazilian has been in devastating form, terrorising full-backs with his pace and sharp feet.
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