Arsenal have reduced Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League to four points after beating Burnley at Turf Moor.

Aaron Ramsey's first-half strike proved to be enough for the Gunners, who extend their winning run to eight games in the league.

© Getty Images

The North London side made the perfect start when Ramsey powered the ball into the roof of Tom Heaton's net inside 12 minutes.

Burnley almost got back on level terms midway through the opening period when Kieran Trippier's free kick from 25 yards needed to be palmed away by keeper David Ospina.

Within moments, Arsenal almost doubled their advantage when Santi Cazorla curled a free kick inches wide of the Clarets' left-hand post.

Burnley, perhaps spurred on by the fact that Leicester City had beaten West Bromwich Albion earlier in the day, tried to manufacture an opening of their own early in the second half, but were unable to create a clear-cut chance.

© Getty Images

Indeed, they nearly fell further behind on 57 minutes when Alexis Sanchez fired a low drive from 25 yards that Heaton needed to turn away.

The Clarets enjoyed their best period of the match midway into the second half when Ben Mee's run provided George Boyd with the chance to volley the home side level, but the Scot mistimed his effort.

Moments later, Burnley went close again as Ings's acrobatic effort from the heart of the area was held by Ospina.

Arsene Wenger's side were able to hold on the victory, which moves them four points behind Chelsea, although the Blues have two games in hand.