Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Scores Twice in Arsenal's 3-1 Win vs. Burnley

Arsenal returned to winning ways as they beat Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double and a late Alex Iwobi strike.  

The Gabonese forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute after fantastic play in the build-up by Mesut Ozil. And he finished a blistering counter attack to double the hosts' lead early in the second half.

Burnley responded well and Ashley Barnes pulled one back in the 63rd minute having escaped a sending off after a number of scuffles during the match.

It set up a tense finish for the home crowd, especially given the Gunners went into clash on the back of successive defeats. But Iwobi netted in stoppage time to seal the victory over the Clarets, who will now spend Christmas in the relegation zone.

Ozil Should be in Every Emery Side Despite Infuriating Form

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Ozil started on the bench last weekend against Southampton and was left out of the squad completely for Wednesday's 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Gunners head coach Unai Emery said it was a "tactical decision" to drop the German for the Spurs game, and he had not been in the best form. But the fact is Arsenal lost both games.

Ozil returned to the starting XI as captain on Saturday and was the architect of Arsenal's first goal and instrumental in the third. 

For the opener he sent a magical left-footed pass from the right edge of the area through the penalty box to Sead Kolasinac on the byline. The left-back cut back to Aubameyang in space, who slotted home with the outside of his right boot.

Few would have seen the pass Ozil produced, let alone succeeded in taking half of the Burnley team out of the game with one swing of the boot.

And it is that kind of ability that means Emery should think twice before dropping the 30-year-old again:

Then in stoppage time, when tension was high as Burnley looked for an equaliser, Ozil jinked his way past two defenders before his deflected pass ended up at Iwobi's feet.

The Nigeria international finished with aplomb, and Arsenal could relax for what could have been five tense remaining minutes.

Arsenal's second goal was proof of what Arsenal can do without Ozil as they went from one penalty area to the other in no time through Matteo Guendouzi, Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette before Aubameyang smashed past Joe Hart.

But Ozil's moments of magic should not be underestimated.

He is Arsenal's most talented player and was a key reason for their victory on Saturday. 

What's Next?

Both sides are back in action on Boxing Day. Arsenal travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, while Burnley host Everton at Turf Moor.