Arteta hails Arsenal display; Liverpool snaps losing streak

BURNLEY, United Kingdom — Mikel Arteta labeled Arsenal's first half display in Saturday's 2-0 win against Burnley as "one of the best" of his tenure, as the Premier League pace-setter extended its lead at the top.

Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice bagged first-half goals at Turf Moor to give Arsenal a ninth successive win in all competitions.

The Gunners' advantage at the interval would have been more commanding, but for two saves from Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who twice denied Bukayo Saka.

Arteta rated it as the best first opening 45 minutes in his time as Arsenal boss, which began in 2019.

"We started the game exceptionally well. I think the first half is one of the best that we've played; we scored two goals, generated another two or three big chances and conceded nothing," he said.

"And that was a platform, because in the second half we dropped the standards, especially with the ball, and with our intentions to play more forward.

"But again, defensively, we were exceptional."

Burnley failed to lay a glove on the north London side, with its first effort on goal coming through a Florentino Luis header in the 73rd minute, before substitute Marcus Edwards' free-kick hit the post deep in stoppage time.

Gyokeres struck the opener from a corner, as Arteta's side also extended their league-leading set-piece goals tally this season, excluding penalties, to 12.

He was singled out for special praise by Arteta after ending a five-game goal drought in the league.

But the Sweden striker could be doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League game at Slavia Prague after being replaced at halftime due to a muscle strain.

"I think it was one of the best games that he's played for us," Arteta said of the summer signing from Sporting Lisbon.

"Overall, his performance was exceptional, apart from the goal, and we had to take him off because he was feeling a little muscular niggle.

"His high press, his positioning and his touches, his threading in behind, the way he linked play, the way he gets us from this situation to transition.

"He was having a really good moment. It's a shame that he felt something."

Milestone score for Salah

Mohamed Salah said scoring his 250th goal for Liverpool on Saturday was a "great feeling" as the Egypt star helped end the Premier League champion's losing streak with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa.

Salah put Liverpool ahead on the stroke of halftime at Anfield with a clinical finish, after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez gifted him the chance with a wayward pass.

It was one of the easiest goals Salah has ever scored for Liverpool, but the significance of the milestone ensured it was one he will never forget.

"It's a great feeling to score goals for such a big club, it's something I don't take for granted," Salah said.

"I'm so proud and happy about that achievement."

Salah's landmark was just as important for his team, as Liverpool ended its four-game losing run in the Premier League.

Arne Slot's side had lost six of its previous seven matches in all competitions, raising questions about the wisdom of their expensive summer spending spree.

Salah had also been under scrutiny after his noticeable dip in form since late last season.

The 33-year-old's goal against Villa was only his fifth this season in a disappointing stretch that had prompted Slot to drop him twice.

"It's very important. We've had a few losses in the Premier League and Champions League. I'm glad we are back on track now, and it's a big push before some important games," Salah said.

"It's a very tricky season for us, because we have a few new players, they are very good players, but they need time to adapt.

"We lost some players too. It takes time to adapt and learn each other's games, but everything will be fine."

Salah has now scored in his last two appearances as third-placed Liverpool stayed seven points behind leader Arsenal in the title race.

Slot will hope his talismanic forward is coming back into form in time for a vital week that features a visit from Real Madrid in the Champions League and a trip to Manchester City in the Premier League.

AFP