Arsenal held by Arsenal
Arsenal and Burnley would face off in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Gunners headed into the tie no doubt full of confidence after picking up some key wins over Leicester and Benfica the week prior.
And when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring inside six minutes at Turf Moor, Arsenal did look set to be cruising to three wins on the bounce.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang making it look easy 😎
A dream start for Arsenal at Turf Moor! pic.twitter.com/QaAZAerao0
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 6, 2021
However, the north Londoners were unable to capitalise on their dominance, and Burnley were gifted a goal late in the first-half thanks to Granit Xhaka and Bernd Leno:
A disaster at the back for Arsenal results in a gift of a goal for Burnley 🎁
Chris Wood will never score an easier goal in his life! pic.twitter.com/h4jYPBebWN
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 6, 2021
Burnley respond to Erik Pieters abuse
Unsurprisingly, though, that Xhaka error was by no means the main talking point coming away from Saturday’s clash.
It was instead the rather odd call made by referee Andre Marriner and VAR in the second 45.
Erik Pieters quite clearly stuck out his hand in the Burnley box when Nicolas Pepe attempted to play a pass:
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 6, 2021
Despite VAR taking a look at it though, no penalty was awarded.
Arsenal fans were understandably furious after the game, but a small section of ‘fans’ appear to have taken things too far.
This comes with Burnley having released a statement on social media on Sunday, confirming that they are aware of the online abuse that has been directed at Erik Pieters.
It is added that the Clarets are in contact with the relevant parties and have offered support to the defender and his family:
We are aware of online abuse directed at Erik Pieters following yesterday’s game.
Thanks to all who have highlighted it.
We are in contact with all relevant parties and offering our support to Erik and his family.— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) March 7, 2021
Granit Xhaka issues public apology to Arsenal’s fans over role in Burnley equaliser
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Arsenal held by ArsenalArsenal and Burnley would face off in Saturday’s early kick-off.The Gunners headed into the tie no doubt full of confidence after picking up some key wins over Leicester and Benfica the week prior.And when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring inside six minutes at Turf Moor, Arsenal did look set to be cruisingFootball (soccer) greatest goals and highlights | 101 Great Goals – Feed