Arsenal Offence Secure 3 Points vs Saints

Coming off a disappointing loss at Goodison Park, the Gunners hosted Southampton at the Emirates in order to keep their record of most home points this season intact. Arsenal managed to do just that, securing the 3 points with just as many goals. Let’s take a look at how the team performed.

Mikel Arteta – 7

Arteta put out a good team. Smith-Rowe left out of the line-up in order to rest his groin was covered up well with the presence of Martinelli. Despite a slow start, the tactics worked well in getting the win. I personally would have liked to see Maitland-Niles get some minutes, however Arteta’s promise to play him more seems to be an empty one.

Aaron Ramsdale – 8

He did a top job stopping shots, making save upon save. He was vital in keeping the clean sheet and played brilliantly in possession, including being instrumental in the set up to the first goal and coming so close to assisting a Martinelli goal.

Kieran Tierney – 8

Another top performance from KT. Ended up bagging an assist after taking an absolutely brilliant touch to drop the ball dead (totally not a scuffed shot) before playing another brilliant 1-2 off the back of the defender (totally not a blocked cross) before heading in a cross to the top of the 6-yard box for Odegaard to head home. A solid game defensively as well.

Ben White – 7.5

Apart from a sloppy start, White played well. He was efficient in possession and solid at the back, securing the clean sheet.

Gabriel – 8.5

Gabriel played brilliantly once more. He too had a sloppy start but once he got into his flow, he was terrific. Did his job in keeping the clean sheet and even scored a goal. It is more than encouraging to see him become a real threat off a set piece. A successful pass rate of 87.5% capped off a brilliant game.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 7.5

Tomiyasu had a good game too. Was ever-present down the right-hand side, getting the job done on both sides of the ball.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

The more I see him play, the more I like him. He was electric down the left wing, coming close to scoring by hitting the post yet still getting an assist off of the corner. When Smith-Rowe returns from injury, I want to see him stay in the starting line-up, even if it is in the CF position.

Thomas Partey – 7

Partey had a quieter game but still played well. He controlled the midfield and we even got to see his patented long shot – which he skied.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

Xhaka controlled the midfield as well. He was dominant in possession and broke up the Saints play well. It is good to see the way that he can look at home in both the 4-2-3-1 and the 4-4-2.

Bukayo Saka – 7.5

Saka had another top game at RM. He picked up the ball and took the game to the defence and even picked up an assist to cap off a brilliant Arsenal team move.

Martin Odegaard – 8

3 goals in 3 games. He played brilliantly. The Norwegian controlled the ball well, pulled the strings in possession and scored the (self-proclaimed) first headed goal of his career, much to his own delight. If he can keep playing like this, I see no way (other than injury) that he can be kept out of the starting line-up.

Alexandre Lacazette – 8

He stepped in for Aubameyang once more and provided once more. A well-taken volley to seal off an amazing build up to open the scoring showed his prowess in front of the goal. Had chances to score again but just couldn’t seem to take them.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Rob Holding – 7

Didn’t have much to do in the final 20 minutes of the game but still brought home the clean sheet.

Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6.5

Sambi didn’t really have enough time to make a full impact, but he did what he could. I was surprised not to see Maitland-Niles come on honestly but then again, Sambi needs to retain his fitness.

Nicolas Pepe – 6

Didn’t have enough time to fully make an impact.

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Gabriel – 8.5

Kept a clean sheet, scored a goal. A defensive and offensive masterclass.