Premier League: Arsenal vs Southampton Pivotal Points

Mikel Arteta lead his side back to Saint Mary’s in an attempt to gain revenge on Southampton on the back of an embarrassing FA Cup defeat. Arsenal lined up with their usual starters, with the exception of Cedric replacing Tierney (calf) and Pepe replacing Aubameyang (personal matters). A win for Arsenal would see them move to 8th on the table, boasting a 6 game undefeated streak which includes 5 wins.

Right off the bat, Xhaka intercepts a pass and instantly releases Lacazette in behind. The Frenchman was denied however by an oncoming McCarthy. The chance left me thinking, ‘we have got to score those chances because we can fall behind so easily’. Unfortunately, I was right.

Just over 2 minutes later, Ward-Prowse sends in a corner to the top of the box. Left unmarked, Steven Armstrong was there to volley the ball off Leno’s glove and into the back of the net. Poor defending and concentration saw the Gunners go 1-0 down.

3rd minute: Southampton 1-0 Arsenal

5 minutes later the Gunners managed to draw level through a somewhat unlikely player. Arsenal again pressed well and won the ball, working it to Xhaka. Granit Xhaka, as he did with Lacazette, managed to slide through a pass to Nicolas Pepe. Pepe did well to control the ball, hold off the defender and slot the ball past McCarthy and into the far post on his left foot.

8th minute: Southampton 1-1 Arsenal

Just before the 24 minute mark, the Saints looked to go up again. Vokins advanced up the field and sent in a good cross to Che Adams. Adams redirects the ball to the side netting of the goal, however, the outstretched hand of Bernd Leno denies the shot.

After an Arsenal goal kick was sent long, a contested header saw the ball drop to Xhaka. The midfielder played a short ball to Lacazette who, with 1 touch whilst turning around, plays a beautiful through ball to Bukayo Saka. As McCarthy rushes out of his box, Saka beats him to the ball, takes it around him and finds the open net.

39th minute: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal’s pressure and flowing play had put them in a good position at half time.

HALF TIME: Southampton 1-2 Arsenal

In a less eventful second half, Cedric found himself on the sideline with the ball. From around 12 yards into the attacking half, he hits a lovely switch pass to Bukayo Saka, who lets it bounce once before squaring the ball across the 6 yard box. Alexandre Lacazette was there and was able to make up for his previous miss, making it 5 goals in hist last 6 Premier League games, extending Arsenal’s lead.

72nd minute: Southampton 1-3 Arsenal

5 minutes from the end of stoppage time, Ward-Prowse found himself standing over another dead ball – however this time it was a 20 yard free kick. The specialist looked to opt out of trying to lob the wall and instead fire it to the opposite side. Bernd Leno was able to react and make a class save to his right.

Another good game from the Gunners. Another result.

FULL TIME: Southampton 1-3 Arsenal

MATCH AWARDS:

Goals:

- Nicolas Pepe x1

- Bukayo Saka x1

- Alexandre Lacazette x1

Assists:

- Granit Xhaka x1

- Alexandre Lacazette x1

- Bukayo Saka x1

Man of the Match:

- Bukayo Saka

- Alexandre Lacazette

Both put up outstanding performances and were each able to contribute 1 goal and 1 assist. Cedric was unlucky to miss out, as he was terrific in his non-preferred left back role against his former club.