The Gunners fired six goals past West Ham United without reply last week, and this performance was further proof Mikel Arteta is serious about challenging the Reds for the title this season.

Arsenal has won ist past six league matches and scored five or more goals in three of those, and Saka scored  either side of half-time as Arsenal remained within two points of Liverpool, which put in a similarly dominant display to beat Brentford 4-1 away from home.

Martin Odegaard put Arsenal ahead as early as the fourth minute before Saka doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 41st for his first of the match.

The England man was celebrating against two minutes into the second period before Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz completed the rout.

Crucially for second-from-bottom Burnley, the goals conceded could prove damaging. It was only ahead of Sheffield United on goal difference, having played a game more, and the Blades could now move off the foot of the table by avoiding defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday (AEDT).