BUR 0-5 ARS: Good Day at the Office for Arteta

 Liverpool had won the early game 4-1 over Brentford, so we had to win to stay in touch with them at two points back, which we did, passing their goal differential in the process.  Spuds lost at home to Wolves in the same time slot, so there's an 8 point gap now, bringing St Totteringham's Day closer.  And in the game of the week, Chelsea managed a draw with Man City at the Etihad, meaning that if City win their game in hand, they're only one point better than us with a worse GD.  There's a long way to go (13 games), but this is shaping up to be a great title race.  All three are in cup competitions, and injuries are thinning their squads.  Arsenal plays City away and City plays Liverpool; those are crucial contests.  In the EPL, upsets are a regular occurrence.  

Well, back to the Arsenal win.  Burnley tried very hard all game, but were outclassed.  A fine strike from Odegaard sent us ahead, and a few minutes before the break Trossard went down in the box (too easily, I think) and we were awarded a PK, which Saka dispatched.  In the second half, Saka blasted into the roof of the net with his right foot (they never expect that from him), Trossard curled a loose ball past the keeper, and finally Havertz nutmegged a defender and netted with only the keeper to beat.  Burnley had just 34% possession and no shots on target.  The effort was there from the Clarets but the skill to stay with the Gunners was not.  The scoreline did not flatter us; Arsenal really was that much better.  We could use Jesus, Tomiyasu, and Zinchenko, but are managing fine without them for now.  (Vieira and Timber are probably unavailable for most of the rest of the season.)  Smith-Rowe subbed in and seems fit, if a bit rusty.  Kiwior slotted in as left back again and was fine.  Up front, Trossard was the false 9.

Notts County lost to Wrexham, Arsenal Women beat Man U, and Juve drew against relegation threatened Verona.  And Wellington Phoenix is top of the A-League!