Jan 22, 2017 at 2.15pm UK at ​Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 59,995
Arsenal
2-1
Burnley
Mustafi (59'), Sanchez (98' pen.)
Mustafi (95')
Xhaka (65')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Gray (93' pen.)
Lowton (58'), Marney (74'), Barnes (97')

Granit Xhaka: 'Early goal is important against Burnley'

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrates after his side's opening goal during the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 6, 2016
© SilverHub
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka says that it is important for his side to score an early goal in their Premier League fixture against Burnley.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has called on his side to put Burnley under pressure by scoring an early goal in the Premier League game between the two clubs this weekend.

During the reverse fixture in October, Arsenal only prevailed thanks to a last-minute goal from Laurent Koscielny, but the Clarets went on to enjoy a fine first half to the campaign.

However, they make the trip to the Emirates Stadium having struggled for points on the road, and Xhaka wants the Gunners to start positively on Sunday afternoon.

The 24-year-old told the club's official website: "We noticed already in the first game that it was really tough at their place. We needed a late goal to win. They play direct, they are compact defensively as well and that makes it difficult. But we are playing at home and we need the three points.

"Against these sort of teams, it is very important to score as early as possible and as many times as possible. That puts them under pressure, it makes them come out a bit more as well. We want to start positively, we want to force mistakes and if we do that, I am sure we can win this game."

Victory for Arsenal would ensure that they remain in the top four of the standings.

Per Mertesacker of Arsenal celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League Qualifier 2nd leg match between Arsenal and Besiktas at the Emirates Stadium on August 27, 2014
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea22181347153255
2Arsenal22145350232747
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs22137245162946
4Liverpool22136351272445
5Manchester CityMan City22134543281543
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd22118333211241
7Everton22106633231036
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom229583028232
9Stoke CityStoke227782834-628
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham2284102936-728
11Southampton227692226-427
12Bournemouth2275103239-726
13Burnley2282122433-926
14Watford2266102538-1324
15Leicester CityLeicester2256112437-1321
16Middlesbrough2248101825-720
17Swansea CitySwansea2253142651-2518
18Crystal Palace2244143041-1116
19Hull City2244142047-2716
20Sunderland2243152042-2215