DECLAN RICE helped Arsenal cement their place at the top of the table – and dedicated his goal to his late aunty.
The England midfielder pointed to the sky after nodding home a cross from Leandro Trossard to put the Gunners two goals in front.
And afterwards he explained it was for Beverley – who has been a huge supporter throughout his career.
He said: “My auntie passed away before the Fulham game. I loved her to death.
“She travelled everywhere to watch me with my mum. I know she’s watching down so that was for her today.”
The midfielder uploaded a picture of him and his beloved aunt to his Instagram account after the game, alongside a heartfelt message.
It read: “That was for you today bev, I know you are looking down on me! Love you forever.”
Arsenal made it nine wins in a row in all competitions and made it look easy against a Burnley team who have been tough to beat at Turf Moor.
Rice said: “They’ve maybe lost once in like 18 months. We knew it was going to be tough, so we had to stick to our principles.
“Our quality shone through and we could have scored four or five in the first half.”
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Rice’s performance, saying: “He stepped up. He won I don’t know how many balls and tackles. It’s the evolution of a player.”
Clarets boss Scott Parker – a former Tottenham player – believes the Gunners have the quality needed to win the title.
His team lost at home for only the second time of his tenure and the former England midfielder said: “They are a very, very good team.
“They are a team that, I believe, has every single ingredient to go on and win the league this year.
“In every facet of their game: defensively, attacking-wise, set plays. They are a top, top team.”
