Despite dominating for long periods, and creating the clearer chances, a goal in each half see the Gunners comfortably through to the fourth round.

It took just nine minutes for Arsene Wenger's side to seize the initative, as a mix-up in the Burnley defence allowed Croatian striker Eduardo to slot the ball past Gabor Kiraly.

But from then on, Burnley were the better side by far, with Chris McCann and Robbie Blake both blazing over from close range with good chances.

The turning point of the game ultimately came on the hour, when Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty was given a straight red card by referee Alan Wiley for an alleged two-footed tackle on Gilberto.

It was always going to be tough from then on for Burnley, and Arsenal made the game safe when Eduardo's glorious pass found Nicklas Bendtner, and he coolly slotted the ball past Kiraly.