Arsenal has defeated Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor to move up to fourth place in the Premier League, courtesy of a last-gasp Alexis Sanchez penalty.
The Gunners headed to Lancashire knowing that three points would be enough to capitalise on some favourable results and lift them into a Champions League spot.
For so long it looked like being a goalless draw in a match of few clear-cut chances, but James Tarkowski’s shove on Aaron Ramsey in added time allowed Sanchez to convert from 12 yards.
Burnley looked the better side in the first half, coming closest to making a breakthrough when Johann Berg Gudmundsson got the better of Hector Bellerin and sent a powerful shot back off the post.
Petr Cech got a touch to the ball on its way through, and he was also required to keep out a back-post header and a Robbie Brady free kick from 30 yards.
Arsenal saw far more of the ball in advanced positions in the second period, though, with Ben Mee twice having to put his body on the line to thwart the visitors.
With 22 minutes of the match left to play, Arsene Wenger turned to Jack Wilshere to provide some midfield spark in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate.
The Gunners required late goals in both league fixtures against Burnley last term and were pressing hard for one here, seeing Wilshere’s strike deflect wide and another from Ramsey sail over.
Just when it looked as though both teams would be denied a place in the top four, Tarkowski’s needless push on Ramsey gifted Sanchez the chance to snatch all three points, which he made the most of by tucking out of Pope’s reach.
Trending
- Students kick as Baze University hikes tuition by 35%, hostel 100%
- NIPPS Alumni to EFCC Chairman: You’re not alone
- Ebonyi pledges to sustain achievements as USAID BA-N scales back health support
- Confederation Cup: Rivers United host defending champions + All CC, CL fixtures
- Top five shows to binge on GOtv Stream catchUp this Easter holiday
- UTME: Candidates will now be held responsible if parents disrupt exam process – Prof. Oloyede
- FG restates commitment to press freedom, demands responsibility
- I’m not moved by cyberbullying — Alex Iwobi