KAI: WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER EARO Critics say Arsenal still lack an out-and-out striker but Havertz hits back: The goals are flying in from all over the pitch now
team, obliterated Burnley after the mercurial Martin Odegaard began the onslaught in the fourth minute.
Bukayo Saka scored twice, including one from the penalty spot, to take his tally to six in his last four games, before Leandro Trossard and Havertz netted.
Turf Moor started emptying of home fans when Trossard scored on 65 minutes and more left when Havertz capitalised on some awful Burnley defending to complete the rout 12 minutes later for Vincent Kompany’s heaviest league defeat.
Burnley, who have lost an embarrassing 10 of their 13 home games, are surely doomed to relegation.
By the starkest of contrasts, Arsenal are perfectly placed to improve their Champions League record – they have not gone beyond the last 16 since 2010 when they beat Wednesday’s opponents, Porto. The Gunners have lost their previous seven last-16 ties but Havertz says they are in the mood to put that right.
“We go into this game to win it, 100 percent,” he said. “We have big goals. We said that before this season as well. These games are the most important, but also the nicest to play.
“We’re looking forward to
Havertz enjoys scoring the Gunners’ fifth goal to complete the hammering the Porto game on Wednesday and we’ll work hard to be well prepared.”
Three of Arsenal’s next four Premier League matches are at home. They host
Newcastle on Saturday night and, after a trip to Sheffield United, they welcome Brentford and Chelsea to the Emirates.
Burnley do not meet another top-six side until a visit to Manchester United at the end of April.
Trafford 4, Assignon 3 (Vitinho 77), O’shea 3, Esteve 4 (Taylor 61, 4), Delcroix 3, Ramsey 4 (Rodriguez 62, 5), Berge 5, Brownhill 5, Odobert 5 (Bruun Larsen 78), Fofana 4, Amdouni 4 (Gudmundsson 45, 4) Muric, Cork, Benson, Cullen
JOSH SARGENT is walking a fine line between banging in goals and trying not to reignite his injury problems.
Norwich remain just outside the top six, after the 23-year-old struck twice against Cardiff.
But it has been a tough time for the Missouri-born striker, who has played only 15 times this season.
Sargent (above) has completed a full game only twice this campaign, the opening two fixtures in August.
While his goalscoring has been a highlight – this double over the Bluebirds puts him on 10 goals – he is aware of needing to keep his ankle in check.
He said “It’s a weird one. I had a very big surgery and some days
I’ll be feeling great, and the next it will just be aching and not feeling the best.
“It’s really just something we’re trying to manage. It’s not ideal but it’s just something we’re going to have to work through.
“As much rest and treatment as possible is only going to help. So that’s really all we can do at the moment. I’m doing everything I possibly can and the whole medical department is doing a really good job. Today, I didn’t even feel a thing.
“We know that the fans are behind us. Today, they were outstanding and it was a very good response from everybody.”
Cardiff shocked their hosts with a Jamilu Collins opener, before Sargent equalised from Ethan Horvath’s parry.
Gabriel Sara struck a beautiful free-kick, before a second for Sargent was followed by a Christian Fassnacht strike.
While Norwich fans cheered, Bluebirds supporters saw their side crash to a sixth loss in seven games. They host Blackburn tomorrow, and manager Erol
Bulut said: “I know it’s not easy, but in my career I’ve never had this run of losses.
“I will speak to the players about positive things, and show positive things even from today’s game.
“I’m not worried. This team will come back again. I believe in them.”
BURNLEY (4-4-2):
Subs: