Arsenal vs Burnley half-time match report: Alexis Sanchez has Gunners knocking at the door but Tom Heaton holds them at bay

Sanchez was Arsenal's best player in the opening half but was unable to break the deadlock

Alexis Sanchez (Getty Images)

Arsenal had the better of the opening 45 minutes but were unable to break the deadlock with Burnley in a match that desperately needed a goal to liven it up.

The Gunners knocked on the door throughout the first half as they seeked an opener, but Alexis Sanchez saw his free-kick saved by the impressive Tom Heaton, who also kept out the Cilean on two other occasions.

George Boyd had Burnley’s best chance in the half as he latched onto a loose ball in the box, but somewhat embarrassingly his shot went out for a throw-in.

Alexis Sanchez

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, watching at the Emirates, commented:

“An awful lot of shots, chances and possession for Arsenal… but no goals, as Burnley held them to 0-0 in an energetic first half at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger’s side - and especially Alexis Sanchez - were battering away at Tom Heaton’s goal, but couldn’t yet find a way through. They do, however, seem to be getting closer.”