KEVIN McDonald scored his second goal in four days to give Burnley a dream start in their Carling Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal.

Chris Eagles swung in a superb cross from the right.

Arsenal could not clear their lines after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski failed to gather the ball, and midfielder McDonald took full advantage to score from inside the six-yard box.

Burnley had keeper Brian Jensen to thank for their half-time lead at Turf Moor after the big Dane made four outstanding stops.

Arsenal almost took the lead as early as the fifth minute when Fran Merida released Bendtner.

However Jensen stayed alert and diverted the striker’s effort to safety.

Arsenal were stung and Bendtner sprung the offside trap in the ninth minute after a good through-ball from Carlos Vela but Jensen was equal to his effort again.

Jensen made two further terrific saves to give the Clarets the advantage at half-time.