Arsenal defeated Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor.
Jamie Carragher during the press conference
Pundit Jamie Carragher says Arsenal’s late win over Burnley was massive and that a draw could have perhaps put them out of the title race even at this early stage, he told Sky Sports Super Sunday Live.
It looked for all the world that Burnley would hold on for a precious point after frustrating Arsenal for long periods at Turf Moor and restricting them to mainly half chances and hopeful efforts from range.
But in the dying seconds, Arsene Wenger’s men worked a short corner into the box and defender Laurent Koscielny, with the help of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, managed to bundle the ball home.
Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny scores their first goal
Burnley were upset that Arsenal’s winner came after the allocated two minutes of time added on, while there were also suspisions of both an offside and handball call against Koscielny.
Ultimately, the away side got a lucky break and Jamie Carragher feels the victory was so important for Arsene Wenger’s side as he explains how a draw could have left them with too much ground to cover.
“It was massive. I think for Arsenal this year, the top four is not enough. Even the gap now [between them and Manchester City] is probably disappointing,” Carragher told Sky Sports Super Sunday.
“If it had been a draw, you would be looking at them already and thinking it’s a big gap for Arsenal to make up even at this early stage of the season.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training
Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur created an opportunity for the chasing pack and Arsenal’s win at Burnley sees them jump up to third in the table, two points behind top spot.
While it could be a little farfetched to suggest a four point gap at this stage would be too much for Arsenal to make up, the Gunners haven’t won the league title in 12 years and failed to catch Leicester City last term.
Arsenal entertain Swansea City when the Premier League restarts after the international break.
General view outside the stadium before the game – Arsenal
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