Arsenal’s poor run of form continues against Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday as Granit Xhaka was sent off for violent conduct while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored an own goal in the 1-0 loss.
Xhaka was initially shown a yellow card but following a VAR review, the decision was changed to a red after he grabbed Ashley Westwood by the throat early in the second half.
Arsenal’s evening could not get any worse as captain of the side Pierre Emerick Aubameyang headed a Burnley corner into his own net shortly afterward.
The 10-man hosts tried to salvage something in the closing stages, but Burnley held firm to claim only their second Premier League win of the season.
For Arsenal, they continue in their worst ever premier league start as the defeat extends a dreadful run of form, leaving them with only one win from their last eight Premier League games.
It is the first time since 1959 that they have lost four consecutive home games in the league.
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Watch the highlights of the match below
Arteta conceded Xhaka outdid them after the game and that his red card cost the side dearly.
“We were on top from the beginning to the moment of the sending off,” said Arteta.
“We threw the game away.”
When asked if Xhaka’s behavior was unacceptable in his post-match press conference, he added: “Absolutely.”
He added: “He’s made a mistake, clearly, that has cost us.
“We were prepared, knowing this was a game we clearly had to win, but with 10 men it makes it much more difficult. You give the opponent a chance and you end up losing on a set-piece.”
Stats and facts from the match (Backed by Opta)
- Arsenal have lost each of their last four Premier League home games, their worst top-flight run on home soil since December 1959, a sequence which also included defeat to Burnley.
- Burnley have claimed their first top-fight victory over Arsenal since September 1974, ending a 15-game winless run against the Gunners (D4 L11).
- Arsenal’s tally of 10 goals after 12 Premier League games is their lowest at this stage of a top-flight season since 1981-82 (8 goals).
- Arsenal have received six Premier League red cards since Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge in December 2019, double that of any other side in this time.
- Since Granit Xhaka’s Premier League debut in August 2016, only Fernandinho (four) has received more red cards in the competition than the Swiss midfielder (three).
Leicester 3-0 Brighton: Business as usual for Brendan Rodgers’ side
Leicester City after a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Brighton moved up to third on the Premier League standings, one point from the summit.
James Maddison’s opened up the game in the 27th minute after his deflected strike put Brendan Rodgers’ side in the lead before Jamie Vardy added a second, his 12th goal of the season.
Maddison sealed victory for the foxes just before the break with a stunning strike into the top corner, and they were rarely troubled by Brighton as they eased to victory in the second half.
Other Premier League results
Sunday, December 13
- Southampton 3-0 Sheffield United
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Tottenham
- Fulham 1-1 Liverpool
- Arsenal 0-1 Burnley
- Leicester City 3-0 Brighton
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