MATCH of the Day pundit Martin Keown was full of praise for 'exceptional' Burnley despite their late defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

For the third game in a row between the two sides the Gunners snatched a controversial injury-time winner when James Tarkowski was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Ramsey, with Alexis Sanchez scoring from the spot.

Both Keown and fellow pundit Kevin Kilbane felt Lee Mason had made the correct call, but former Arsenal defender Keown was full of praise for the hosts.

"I know why the manager is aggrieved, they played exceptionally well, they close down really well," he said of Burnley.

"They were playing for a chance to be in the top four, that's how far this club have come.

"They're very good at fixing the play. They try and trap you in, they do it brilliantly. There's extra composure in the team now.

"I was really impressed with (Johann Berg) Gudmundsson. You know there going to put crosses in, he's got really good quality, he runs well with the ball and he's going to break from distance, he's also sensible in possession.

"They're more efficient (with the ball) these days. They're all progressing nicely and they're growing in stature.They were all passing it beautifully. I really liked the way they played."

Of the penalty decision, Kilbane said: "I think it's a penalty, but it's a soft one. He feels the contact and he does throw himself to the ground, it's an elaborate fall, but I think it's a penalty.

"Sean Dyche is right in saying there's been or two of these controversial decisions that have affected the outcome of this game."