The Clarets have got a Clarets-sized task on their hands as they head to the Emirates to face red-hot league leaders Arsenal!

The Gunners are cruising with swagger this season, scoring goals for fun with Eddie Nketiah banging them in. But boss Mikel Arteta knows overconfidence could cause complacency to creep in.

Meanwhile, Burnley is in deep trouble near the bottom. But could catching Arsenal on an off day after their first defeat last week provide a glimmer of hope?

Arsenal's creators like Saka and Odegaard will look to pick holes in Burnley's leaky backline. But the Clarets still carry a threat with Barnes and Rodriguez up top.

Can Burnley put a dent in Arsenal's title charge? Or will the Gunners continue their blistering streak by gunning down the Clarets? A tasty Turf Moor treat lies in wait!

Arsenal vs Burnley

The match will take place on Saturday, 11th November 2023, at Emirates Stadium

Slick Arsenal Undone by Lack of Cutting-Edge

Arsenal enjoyed the lion's share of possession at St James' Park, their slick short passing and clever movement opening up space in Newcastle's half.

The Gunners were purring at times with their silky interchanges and imaginative patterns. Playmakers like Odegaard and Saka revealed the time allowed on the ball.

But in the final third, Arsenal lacked the killer instinct to stick the ball in the old onion bag. Their pretty passing around the box failed to carve out clear openings.

Mikel Arteta will be frustrated his side lacked the ruthlessness to capitalize on their dominance of the ball against depleted opponents.

Toothless Nketiah Cuts a Frustrated Figure

Leading the line, Eddie Nketiah failed to replicate his hat-trick heroics from last week. The striker was starved of service and became increasingly isolated up front.

Nketiah was forced to feed off scraps, with Arsenal's attacks petering out before reaching him. He barely had a sniff of goal all afternoon as Newcastle's defense shackled him tightly.

The young frontman grew visibly frustrated, throwing his arms up in exasperation as moves broke down around him. On this evidence, Nketiah still has much to prove as Arsenal's main man up top.

Newcastle's Rear Guard Frustrates Gunners

At the back, Newcastle was heroic at times, throwing bodies on the line to repel the Arsenal threat. Fabian Schar in particular made countless blocks and interceptions to deny the visitors.

The Magpies defended with organization and aggression to stop Arsenal from cutting through. Their whole team worked tirelessly off the ball to restrict space for Arsenal's creators.

The gutsy hosts earned their luck, riding their luck occasionally but largely restricting Arsenal's dangermen through sheer determination.

Soft Underbelly Costs Arsenal Dearly

Arsenal were undone by Newcastle's cutthroat ruthlessness in front of goal. The Gunners dominated but a brief defensive lapse proved costly when Gordon pounced to score.

Joelinton muscled his way past Gabriel too easily in the build-up. Arsenal's soft underbelly in defending set-pieces was exposed again.

That solitary punch on the counter knocked the stuffing out of Arsenal on a day where their pretty approach play yielded little reward.

Howe's Heroes Rise to the Occasion

Against injury-hit opponents, this was a monumental result and performance from Newcastle's committed troops. They showed incredible heart and hunger to grind out victory.

Each player rose to the occasion, playing with controlled aggression and intensity in front of a frenzied St James' Park crowd. This triumph will fuel the belief that Newcastle can upset the odds this season.

Clarets' Turf Moor Woes Continue as Eagles Swoop

Burnley huffed and puffed but couldn't blow Palace's house down as they slumped to yet another home defeat. The Clarets dominated possession and carved out multiple chances but lacked a cutting edge.

In a recurring theme this season, Burnley's build-up play was tidy but they fizzled out in the final third. There was plenty of hustle but not enough guile from the Clarets in the key danger zones.

Boss Vincent Kompany cut a frustrated figure as he watched chance after chance go begging. His side produced some slick passing moves but the end product deserted them at vital moments once more.

Profligate Clarets Rue Missed Chances

Burnley were left scratching their heads wondering how they didn't convert at least one of their 16 efforts on goal. Their profligacy in front of the target came back to haunt them.

At times it was like watching someone try to thread a needle while wearing chunky woolen gloves. Shooting boots went missing for the Clarets just when they needed composure most.

Strikers Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez will be especially frustrated after spurning several presentable openings between them. Goalscoring is becoming an alarming Achilles heel for the shot-shy Clarets.

Costly Lapses Undermine Burnley's Good Work

Two moments of defensive slackness sent Burnley tumbling to another disheartening Turf Moor defeat. The Clarets were architects of their downfall at both ends.

A misplaced pass from Jordan Beyer gifted Palace the opening goal midway through the first half. Then slow reactions allowed sub Tyrick Mitchell to seal the win in stoppage time.

Burnley's good work in restricting Palace's dangerous forwards was undone by those costly errors. Cutting out sloppy mistakes must be top of Kompany's 'to-do' list.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya, O. Zinchenko, Gabriel, W. Saliba, Ben White, Declan Rice, M. Odegaard, Jorginho, G. Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, E. Nketiah

Burnley: J. Trafford, C. Taylor, Jordan Beyer, Dara O'Shea, Vitinho, L. Koleosho, J. Brownhill, Josh Cullen, J. Gudmundsson, J. Rodriguez, Zeki Amdouni

Key Battles

Nketiah Speed vs. Mee Experience

Arsenal's speed merchant Nketiah will look to prey on Burnley veteran Ben Mee's lack of pace. Nketiah's rapid runs in behind could expose Mee's turning circle.

But Mee's savvy positioning and know-how may nullify the threat. Can the wise old owl outsmart the spring chicken?

Barnes Power vs Saliba Strength

A clash of styles up front as Burnley battering ram Ashley Barnes tangles with Arsenal's defensive rock William Saliba.

Barnes will back himself to bully Saliba with brute force. But Saliba has the power to match any striker for strength.

Who will come out on top in this heavyweight tussle at both ends? A pivotal battle.

Conclusion

Arsenal's attacking arsenal should have too much guile and penetration for Burnley's porous backline.

Nketiah and Saka can exploit spaces to keep the Gunners' winning run going.

But if Rodriguez and Barnes receive ammunition, they can breach Arsenal's occasionally suspect defending.