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Arsenal swatted aside the Saints’ challenge as they ran out winners with a 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates. The Gunners avenged their defeat at Southampton earlier in the season to propel themselves into the fourth spot.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing at the start as the Gunners were put under immediate pressure. The away side exploited the hosts’ susceptibility on the break to send Nathan Redmond clear. The Englishman though, couldn’t make the most of his opportunity as he was denied by Bernd Leno.
Moments later, the Gunners sprang a quick counter-attack of their own to go ahead as Alexandre Lacazette pirouetted superbly near the half-way line before finding Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian’s cross eventually found its way to Henrikh Mkhitaryan whose scuffed shot was fittingly turned in by Lacazette.
In the 17th minute, Mkhitaryan made the net bulge himself as he smashed a low shot past a hapless Angus Gunn. The Saints tried to throw everything they had at the Gunners yet couldn’t breach the latter’s rear-guard in the second period.
Here is a look at the major talking points from the game:
#5. Arsenal’s attack blows the Saints away
Arsenal came into the game on the back of a 3-0 victory over BATE Borisov in mid-week. Though the Gunners put three past the Belarusians, their attacking play left a lot to be desired. However, on Sunday, Arsenal was back to their effervescent attacking best.
While the hosts would be kicking themselves to have scored only twice against Southampton, their approach play was slick and their movement caused the away side all sorts of problems.
Iwobi, in particular, was magnificent throughout and his wonderful inter-play with Sead Kolasinac came to the fore on several occasions. In addition, Lacazette enjoyed an excellent game as the focal point of the attack with his tendency to drop deep and then spin in behind proving extremely useful.
Mkhitaryan too notched an assist (though it wasn’t intended) and a goal to help strengthen his case for a starting berth. Though there have been occasions when Arsenal has been more clinical, today represented a complete attacking display sans the enormous amount of goals.
And after a period of patchy performances, Unai Emery would want his troops to build on the showing as they encounter a tricky run of games.
#4. Bernd Leno proves his worth
The German goalkeeper arrived at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and was expected to paint a solid picture between the sticks. Yet, not everything has gone to the plan for Leno with him enduring an indifferent season.
However, against Southampton, the German goalkeeper rose to the occasion and produced arguably his best performance in the Arsenal shirt.
In the fifth minute, the Saints scythed through the Gunners’ defense as Redmond found himself in acres of space and he turned inside Shkodran Mustafi skilfully. However, when one on one with Leno, the Englishman was outwitted as the former expertly read his shot.
A few minutes later, he produced another splendid save to thwart Matt Targett. In the second half too, Leno has on hand to palm away the Englishman’s purely struck volley.
Back in December, the German irked the Gunners with a highly suspect display against Southampton at St. Mary’s. Yet, a couple of months down the line, at the Emirates, he might just have done enough to earn their trust for the time being.
#3. Lichtsteiner and Iwobi add to Arsenal’s injury woes
The Gunners enjoyed a comfortable afternoon’s work at the Emirates on Sunday. However, their victory came at a cost as they lost Stephan Lichtsteiner and Alex Iwobi to injury.
The latter was outstanding during his time on the pitch and was at the heart of everything the Gunners did offensively. The Nigerian’s astute positioning dragged the Saints’ defense into uncomfortable areas and he also played a major role in both the goals.
Thus, Emery would hope that the winger isn’t out for too long.
Lichtsteiner, meanwhile, was handed a second consecutive start against Southampton and he looked accomplished in defense. However, he tweaked something in the second half and was replaced by Laurent Koscielny.
Over the course of the season, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has blown more cold than hot and Arsenal’s injury casualties have increased by the minute. Hence, the loss of Lichtsteiner to injury would cause more than a furrowed brow or two for the Spaniard.
And with another defender falling by the wayside, Arsenal and Emery’s decision to not bring in defensive reinforcements looks more naïve with each passing game.
#2. Southampton miss their chance to steer clear of the drop zone
The weekend started with Southampton a point from safety. However, Saturday’s events meant that the Saints had the opportunity to leapfrog Cardiff City into 17th if they avoided defeat. Yet, the visitors failed to make any substantial inroads and they now have to spend another weekend in the drop zone.
Eleven games remain between now and the end of the season and though the Saints have enough quality to stay up, their continued inability to string decent displays together is becoming a concern.
After sacking Mark Hughes, Southampton reaped the rewards of the ‘new manager bounce’ with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s liveliness becoming an instant hit with the fans.
However, after the initial successes, the results have dried up and with each passing week, the Saints are sinking deeper into the relegation quicksand. And if they can’t conjure the results they require, they run the risk of plying their trade in the Championship next term.
While eleven games accord teams plenty of time to turn things around, the Southampton faithful would hope the revival arrives sooner than later.
#1. Vital win for the Gunners before a crucial run of fixtures
The win against Southampton coupled with Manchester United’s draw at home to Liverpool allowed Arsenal to break into the top four. However, the Gunners need to be on their guard as they embark on a precarious run of fixtures.
In three days’ time, Arsenal welcomes Bournemouth to the Emirates while they travel to face their eternal rivals, Tottenham in the North London Derby next Saturday.
A few days later, they face Rennes in the Europa League Round of 16 first-leg tie whereas the weekend sees them lock horns with Manchester United in a top four ‘six-pointer’.
Thus, the Gunners are moving into their most decisive period of the season where a defeat in any of the above games could potentially derail their season.
The 2018-19 season was always going to be one of transition for the Gunners. Yet, as the season has progressed, they’ve become genuine contenders for the top four and the Europa League. And if they fall out of contention for either in the next fortnight, their season could turn sour in a trice.
