Arsenal 0-1 Burnley: Mikel Arteta leads sack race odds after worst start since 1975

The 10-man Gunners fell to a 1-0 loss, their fourth home league defeat in a row, as a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang own goal settled the game in favour of Burnley – who enjoyed a first-ever win at the Emirates Stadium as a result.

It is the first time in 61 years that Arsenal have lost four consecutive home league games.

Granit Xhaka’s second-half red card came from a moment of madness after grabbing Ashley Westwood round the throat.

It is the seventh time Arsenal have had a player sent off in the Premier League since Arteta was appointed almost a year ago and the defeat leaves the FA Cup holders just five points above the relegation zone.

Arsenal could easily have ended the game with nine men after Mohamed Elneny was only cautioned for raising his hands to James Tarkowski moments before Aubameyang turned a Westwood corner into his own goal.

Asked if he felt down by Xhaka’s actions, Arteta replied: “Yes. But honestly, I think it was unacceptable to do that action and the players are in a moment that they are so willing to do more and fight more and show how committed they are, to be alive in the game.

“On this occasion Granit has overstepped the line. We cannot make those mistakes because they’re the wrong approach to what we’re trying to do.

“He’s made a mistake, clearly. The way the game was going, the dominance that we had… it was a game that we had to win and with 10 men it makes it much more difficult. You give the opponent a chance and you end up losing.”

Premier League sack race odds

• Mikel Arteta - 7/4
• Chris Wilder - 9/4
• Slaven Bilic - 3/1
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 7/1

Click here for the full current Sky Bet market

Odds correct at 07:30 GMT (14/12/20)

It was a meek return for 2,000 fans, with many of them jeering their team at the full-time whistle. Arteta's side return to action on Wednesday with high-flying Southampton travelling to north London.

The Gunners boss says it is better to get back out onto the pitch as soon as possible.

“I prefer to play in 72 hours, the players are hurting,” he added.

“Thank you so much to the fans because I think they were tremendous behind the team with the support that they were giving, and knowing how difficult it has been for us in this competition in recent weeks.”

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