This Premier League round marked Arsène Wenger’s 20th anniversary as Arsenal manager, making him the first to lead a single club in the league for two decades since Sir Alex Ferguson. Fittingly, the Gunners secured victory in classic “Fergie Time” fashion, netting the winner in the 93rd minute—a perfect anniversary gift for the professor.

Burnley, last season’s Championship winners, came into the match as newly promoted underdogs, with a significant gap in quality compared to Arsenal. Wenger’s sides have historically dominated such encounters, boasting an unbeaten run of 26 matches against promoted teams, with 22 wins and 4 draws. The last league defeat to a newcomer came in March 2012 against Queens Park Rangers. Offensively, Burnley offered little threat; in the first six league games they managed just 15 shots on target, the second-lowest in the league, ahead of only fellow newcomers Middlesbrough. However, Sean Dyche’s hallmark has been defensive resilience. Counting the end of their Championship campaign, Burnley had conceded just 5 goals in their last 17 home matches, averaging a goal every three and a half games, and never more than one in a match.

Arsenal quickly learned the challenge of breaking them down. Despite dominating possession in the first half, they registered only 4 shots, finding the game harder than their recent Champions League tie against Basel. On the touchline, Wenger fidgeted with a rubber band, betraying his unease.

The Gunners ramped up their attack after the break, unleashing 14 shots in the second half and pinning Burnley deep. The home side’s defense, however, was stubborn, with goalkeeper Tom Heaton—England’s new number one—continuing his stellar form. Heaton had made 30 saves in the opening six rounds, the most in the league, and added to his tally by stopping several dangerous efforts. When Alexis Sánchez volleyed wide from close range, a draw seemed inevitable. Yet, in the 93rd minute, fortune smiled on Wenger. Laurent Koscielny bundled the ball into the net with a hint of hand contact, but referee Craig Pawson allowed the goal to stand—a rare slice of luck for a manager who has spent decades lamenting officiating decisions.

This was Wenger’s 1,130th match in charge and his 648th victory. Arsenal celebrated their first five-game Premier League winning streak since October 2015 and extended their unbeaten run against Burnley to eight matches (5 wins, 3 draws). Remarkably, their last two visits to Turf Moor had both ended in narrow 1-0 wins. Even more surprising, Arsenal have now won 23 Premier League matches with goals scored after the 90th minute—more than Manchester United and second only to Liverpool’s 28.

For fans tracking match stats and historical records through the Melbet App, Wenger’s milestone and Arsenal’s dramatic finish underline why football remains so unpredictable. The Melbet App not only keeps supporters updated on scores but also offers deep insights into trends, from late goals to head-to-head records. As Wenger’s two decades at Arsenal show, some stories in football are worth following year after year—and the Melbet App ensures you never miss a chapter.