Arsenal star taken aback by 'crazy' Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor

Arsenal's summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga was in for a rude awakening when making only his fourth Premier League appearance.

By Dan Black

Published 20th Sep 2021, 17:30 BST- 1 min read

Updated 20th Sep 2021, 17:34 BST

Burnley's English manager Sean Dyche reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on September 18, 2021.

The 21-year-old capture from Anderlecht, who put pen to paper on a £15m deal in July, wasn't expecting the onslaught that greeted the Gunners at Turf Moor.

The Belgium international was handed a second half introduction by Mikel Arteta as he replaced Emile Smith Rowe with half-an-hour remaining.

His appearance came at a time when the visitors were desperately clinging on to their slender advantage, given to them by Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard before the break.

Albert Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal makes a pass whilst under pressure from Kieran Dowell of Norwich City during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on September 11, 2021 in London, England.

Sean Dyche's side had upped the ante after the interval in their search for an equaliser and penned Arsenal back.

But the visitors held firm and inflicted a 13th top flight game without a win for the Clarets on their own patch.

"The intensity here is crazy," he said. "When the other team counters you have to sprint. In Belgium I wasn't used to that, it's a big difference.

"It was a crazy game because they cross from everywhere. I was not used to it.

"People told me 'you're going to see this is the real Premier League, typical English way to play'. I was not expecting this kind of play."