Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shares Golden Boot as he inspires Gunners to banish away-day problems at Turf Moor
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG’S goal-den display brought this dead-rubber to life.
With seemingly nothing to play, the Arsenal striker sparked a thrilling surge to snatch the Golden Boot from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
His two goals drew him level on 22 for the top prize, then he fluffed his big chance to finish top of the scoring charts.
With the goal at his mercy, he met Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross with just Tom Heaton to beat but stabbed his finish wide – and had to settle for a share of the coveted boot.
Ashley Barnes pulled a goal back for Sean Dyche’s men and Eddie Nketiah added a third – but Aubameyang’s gong was pretty much the only thing riding on this match.
Just one look at Emery’s team-sheet told everyone that his focus is on the Europa League final in Baku.
Only goal-chasing Aubameyang and Nacho Monreal remained from the team last Thursday that earned a chance of Europa glory with victory in Valencia.
Emery cannot afford needless injuries ahead of the final in a fortnight – and the chances of a miracle top-four place was virtually non-existent even after a week of shock comebacks in the Champions League.
That is where Emery wants to take this team to but it needed an eight-goal swing to overtake rivals Tottenham. Even in the most “Spursy” teams wouldn’t let that happen.
At least they secured fifth place which made absolutely sure there would be no early start in the Europa qualifying rounds.
Of course, Gunners fans are eyeing victory in Baku which earns a place at Europe’s top table.
A striker like Aubameyang really should be playing at that elite level – he stands out in Emery’s team as a player of class desperate for support.
Joe Willock’s first Premier League start at least gives them hope that some exciting players are coming through the ranks that might help the likes of Aubameyang.
The teenager went close in the first half with a curler and also forced Tom Heaton to rush out and handle outside the area, earning a yellow card.
But it was Aubameyang who was the real goal threat. He hit the post with a header from Mkhitaryan’s free-kick.
Burnley’s marathon season started in Aberdeen on July 26 last year and affected their domestic form.
But they have turned around their season since Christmas. Barnes and Chris Wood caused plenty of problems for Arsenal, who lost Konstantinos Mavropanos to injury.
Wood smacked the post after a ball over the top was flicked on by his strike partner.
And Matt Lowton had one cleared off the line by Shkodran Mustafi, who looked like he used his arm.
Bernd Leno was called into action to deny James Tarkowski’s header and also Barnes when he went through on goal.
But the class of PEA was eventually the difference, with the Gabon striker opening the scoring in the 53rd minute when he latched onto sloppy Burnley defending.
Jack Cork’s pass back to Ben Mee was wayward and Aubameyang carried the ball towards goal and calmly finished.
His second was a superb volley, whacking home first time from Alex Iwobi’s cross from a tight angle.
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Game on for the Golden Boot. His miss from Mkhitaryan’s cross was his clearest chance, then he was inches away Mo Elneny’s ball in front of goal. In stoppage time he made a yard of room but fired over the bar.
The £56million paid to Borussia Dortmund last season looks a bargain now and there are hopes his form – nine in eight games – will serve Emery’s side well in their final against Chelsea.
Barnes pulled one back when he nodded home from Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s cross and in stoppage time it was Nketiah who grabbed the third rather than Aubameyang.