Southampton vs Arsenal

0-2

With the sun beaming down on St Mary’s it was a must win game for both sides, especially for the Gunners who need to start picking up results in order to keep the pressure on the teams in the top 6.

Arteta’s side started well, being composed in possession and making the pitch wide when attacking, leading to the opening opportunity for Aubameyang. Kieran Tierney found the 31-year old forward for a stunning over the top through ball leaving Arsenal’s star man on the edge of the six yard box with the goal gaping, however he was only able to fire it off the crossbar and back out to safety. The pressure was beginning to mount for the away side, who were closing down the Saints at will, which eventually led to the break through in the 21st minute. Youngster Eddie Nketiah showing why he deserves he place in the team with some dogged running to close down McCarthy, smothering the ball to intercept it and take it around him, then leaving the 20 year old with the simplest of finishes to roll it into an empty net. There weren’t many chances in the first half which led to Arsenal going in at halftime 0-1 up.

The home side appeared to have been given the hairdryer treatment from manager Ralph Hasenhüttl as they came out in the second half a new team, keeping Arsenal pinned back in their own half, in the hope they could show some of the cracks Arteta’s side has shown in recent weeks. However, chances were limited with one of Southampton‘s best chances falling to Nathan Redmond who blasted his shot into the side netting from a tight angle. The introduction of Shane Long made a difference for the hosts with his relentless running in behind and on one occasion was picked up brilliantly by Stephens with the Irishman striking a fierce volley which was finely saved by Emi Martinez. Just when the game looked as if it was petering out, a loose pass from Hojbjerg was chased down by Aubameyang causing Stephens to bring down the Arsenal captain on the edge of the area, leading to a straight red card for the English defender and a free kick in a dangerous position for the visitors. Alexandre Lacazette stepped over the ball and fired it into the wall with his rebound shot too hot to handle for McCarthy, luckily Joe Willock was on hand to follow up and confidently side foot the ball into the net to secure the points for Arsenal.

Player Ratings

Emilio Martinez

Made a couple of Great saves, deserved his clean sheet. 7/10

Hector Bellerin

Doesn’t look the same player since his injury, sloppy in possession but defended okay. 5/10

Skhodran Mustafi

Solid Performance again, starting to become a bit more consistent. Switches off at times but on the whole defended well. 6/10

Rob Holding

A very encouraging display, looks a lot sharper compared to last week hopefully with every passing game he will improve. 8/10. My MOTM

Kieran Tierney

Created an excellent chance for Aubameyang and showed fight throughout. So pleased to have him back. 6.5/10

Granit Xhaka

His importance to the team was highlighted in this game, made some lovely passes to break the lines, however gave the ball away a few too many times. 7/10

Dani Ceballos

Looks as if his head is in Madrid, his last two performances haven’t been good enough, need to think about bringing Torreira in to replace him when fit. 5/10

Bukayo Saka

Always looked lively when going forward and made sure he did his defensive duties as well. Need to sign him up now! 7/10

Nicolas Pepe

Doesn’t get the support from Bellerin enough as it means he is always doubled up on. Was given a tough task, but wasn’t up to it leading to his substitution in the 63rd minute. 6/10

Aubameyang

Worked his socks off, making runs forward and tracking back. Should have scored in the 10th minute, but was needed to get the win across the line as he never gave the Saints anytime on the ball. 7/10

Eddie Nketiah

Brillant poachers goal combined with some hard work. Looks to be first choice striker under Arteta and at the moment deserves it. 7/10

Subs

Joe Willock

Worked hard to close their centre backs down. Had an excellent header saved and linked up well with Aubameyang. 6/10

Sead Kolasinac

Helped see out the clean sheet didn’t have loads to do. 6/10

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James Humphreys