Arsenal 2-1 Burnley: Five things we learnt as the Gunners moved into the fifth round

ARSENAL saw off Burnley in the FA Cup fourth round with goals from Alexis Sanchez and Calum Chambers.

 

Arsene Wenger's side made it 15 FA Cup wins in a row

 

Sam Vokes had equalised for Burnley after Chamber’s opener but the Chile winger saw the Gunners through.

Here’s five things we learnt.

Arsene Wenger’s done it again

Mohamed Elneny made his Arsenal debut in a midfield trio with Francis Coquelin and Alex Iwobi.

But he’s not the defensive midfielder Arsenal need, and have needed for as long as anyone can remember. 

He’s tall but slim built. Neat on the ball, but soft in the tackle.

 

This is no Vieira. 

Elneny is another slight passer who won’t offer the defence what they need.

“He’s not a monster,” Wenger admitted pre-match.

“Typically Middle Eastern people are very [wiry] with a big stamina and very agile.

“Sometimes they lack a bit of power, so he’s not a powerhouse, he's more of a mobility player.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to shape up or move on

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was given a starting berth for Arsenal on the right wing, despite Wenger’s insistence he will become a central figure.

And he showed why Theo Walcott and Joel Cambell have been favoured by the Frenchman in recent months.

He doesn’t have their directness or pace. Something Arsenal desperately missed against the Championship side in this fourth round tie.

With Olivier Giroud up top Arsenal must offer a more direct option out wide. 

Alexis Sanchez returned but was off the pace and way below his best. 

Three and a half years have passed since he started England’s group opener at Euro 2012 against France, but, now 22, he hasn’t locked down a place at the Emirates and may benefit from a fresh start somewhere else.

 

The master is back

Mesut Ozil is brilliant but Alexis Sanchez is still the main man at the Emirates.

He returned to the starting line up today and, despite a rusty opening, scored the second goal and gave a demonstration of why he’s so important.

The fitness isn’t quite there yet but when it is Arsenal will have their best hope of winning the title back in their ranks.

 

Emirates crowd appreciate Wenger’s sentiment still

Just about the biggest cheer of the match was reserved for the return of Tomas Rosicky for his first appearance of the season.

Outside of Arsenal it’s a mystery how the midfielder is still here for his on average six games a season.

He still oozes some class but his lack of football is startling. 

Yet when Wenger turned to the 35-year-old Czech the Emirates came alive. 

 

Alex Iwobi has talent

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi made an impression playing in midfield today. His neat footwork and passing helped Chambers break the deadlock.

At 19 he looks like another talented academy graduate. The Gunners are well stocked in that area though, so whether he’s able to break in regularly is still anybody’s guess. This was a decent start though.

He’s made four substitute appearances in the league this term and could well be on for more later on in the season.