EPL 2017/18: Burnley 0-1 Arsenal - 5 talking points

#2 Burnley play passing football

Burnley v Arsenal - Premier League

Burnley have always been unfairly branded as a long ball side who play unattractive football. They're known as this generation's Bolton Wanderers, a team that relies on their physicality and constant balls over the top into their attackers.

However, against Arsenal, Sean Dyche's men proved they're everything but that.

Contrary to reports of constant aerial missiles at Turf Moor, Burnley were playing out from the back and regularly kept the ball on the ground. This was perhaps a style of play that seemingly took the Gunners by surprise in the first 45.

They tallied a respectable 77% pass accuracy, which can still be improved upon. With 350 passes and 529 total touches on the ball, they aimed to match Arsenal's style of play and their daring attitude almost paid off.

They were more expansive in attack but equally physically strong and resolute defensively. They won 19 aerial duels, made 14 tackles, 11 interceptions and 33 clearances during the full 90.

It's no wonder defeat is so hard to take in a match like this, not least as they seem to have struck a balance between attacking football and rigid organisation defensively. They've risen above many critics' expectations as a result, with seventh place an impressive reflection on their campaign thus far. The real question is whether they'll manage to maintain this consistency throughout as matches come thick and fast against tough opposition.