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It was another disappointing result for Arsenal as they drew to Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The draw has left the Gunners with just one win in their last 7 games and will mount further pressure on Unai Emery.
Ralph Hassenhuttle's side started the game on the front foot and got in front inside 7 minutes through Danny Ings. Arsenal did manage to equalise through Alexandre Lacazette's goal after a sustained amount of pressure. Emery's men pushed for the lead in the second half, however, it was the Saints who scored through a penalty awarded for a foul on Danny Ings by Kieren Tierney.
After that, Southampton had a flurry of chances to kill the game once and for all, however, they failed to take their chances which later came back to haunt them when Lacazette equalised in injury time.
While several players impressed, others failed to live up to the expectations. Here are 5 hits and flops from the game:
#5 Hit: Matteo Guendouzi
Matteo Guendouzi has been a pivotal figure in Arsenal's midfield this season and will further cement his position in the side with a solid performance against the Southampton on Saturday. The Frenchman was a huge positive to take from what was a disappointing game for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old dictated the game from midfield and completed more passes than any other player on the pitch. Moreover, the young midfielder displayed immense determination to drive forward with the ball at every opportunity and linked well with the front three.
Guendouzi is renowned for his energy and tenacity in the middle of the pitch and that's exactly what he displayed against the Saints, winning the most duels in the match.
#4 Flop: Calum Chambers
It was a pretty poor showing from Calum Chambers against Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday. The 24-year-old was involved in Southampton's opener when he needlessly blocked Nathan Redmond and was caught sleeping by a quick freekick by Ryan Bertrand which led to a goal.
Apart from the mistake, his overall defensive performance wasn't solid enough and the Englishman was sacrificed for the change in the system at half-time by Unai Emery. The defence has been an issue for Arsenal this season and performances like that from their key defenders isn't going to help their cause.
#3 Hit: Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand was by far Southampton's best player on the pitch. The 30-year-old was the orchestrator of the Saint's first goal and caught the Arsenal backline sleeping with a quick freekick into the path of Danny Ings, who made no mistake and buried the ball into the back of the net.
The full-back not only had a solid game defensively but also showed great attacking prowess against Arsenal. The Englishman created 3 chances and came away with an assist at the end of the game.
#2 Flop: Sokratis
Sokratis was another defender with a shambolic performance against Southampton. The 31-year-old centre-back was tasked to marshal the Arsenal back three. However, he looked clueless for most of the match.
The Greek defender was too casual in possession and nearly cost his side the game when he was caught off possession in his own box by the opposition attacker. The centre-back also received a needless booking for arguing with the official, which has become a norm now. Sokratis was by far Arsenal's worst player on the pitch and needs to massively up his game.
#1 Hit: Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette produced a man of the match performance against Southampton. The French forward, who hadn't scored for the Gunners since the start of September, was on the scoresheet twice to salvage a draw for his side.
The 28-year-old rescued a point for his side with an injury-time equaliser and save his side from a humiliating defeat. Apart from his goals, Lacazette's performance was magnificent throughout the game. The Frenchman showed tremendous strength to hold off the defenders and displayed immense determination to get back possession if he did lose the ball. Lacazette dropped deep to orchestrate attacks from midfield on more than one occasion.
