Arsenal 3-1 Burnley: 3 prime takeaways from the Gunners' latest Premier League win

Arsenal's defensive issues still persist

Arsenal didn't clear the ball properly for Barnes's goal

Ashley Barnes scored for Burnley, but then only after the ball was missed by Sokratis, Lichtsteiner, and Granit Xhaka.

Had the ball been cleared, it would have been safe, but then this lack of attention cost Arsenal here. Yes, they won the game, and overall won it comfortably. But the issue is goal difference, and how this can help attain top four this season.

The stated goal of Unai Emery is to regain Champions League football. And Tottenham and Chelsea, as Arsenal's biggest challengers for this, have both conceded fewer goals. Whilst Chelsea lost this weekend, this could be crucial in the top four hunt, and something Emery himself had noted prior to this game.

Individually though, Arsenal's defenders shone in this game, especially Sokratis. Many deemed him slow when he joined, but he has proven to be an astute signing from Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

He for one is showing what Arsenal have lacked for several years, and all they need to do now is to match collective defensive discipline with individual brilliance.

Seemingly, many Gooners whether online or not, are showing appreciation at the Greek international:

What a signing Sokratis has been. He had his doubters when he arrived here but proved everyone wrong. Such a warrior on the field. Passionate about the game. pic.twitter.com/kORgEr1jBr

— P™ (@Cechque) December 22, 2018

Sokratis was one of Arsenal's better players in this game, and in part due to keeping Burnley's forwards quiet, and matching and surpassing their physicality.