Southampton 1-0 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points as the holders get ousted | FA Cup 2020-21

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Southampton vs Arsenal: The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Southampton vs Arsenal: The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round

Southampton stunned holders Arsenal by a solitary goal at the St. Mary’s in the 2020-21 FA Cup fourth round.

A full-strength Southampton scored the only goal of the game in the 24th minute when a Kyle Walker-Pieters cross took a slight deflection off Gabriel Magalhaes.

Despite an improved display in the second half, Arsenal could not turn things around and the holders fell to an embarrassing exit.

On that note, here are five talking points from the game.


#5 Arsenal’s need for a backup left-back comes to the fore

Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton vs Arsenal

Kieran Tierney’s importance to this side has become increasingly evident over the past few weeks.

Whenever he has not been present, Arsenal have struggled for creativity. His bursting runs down the left and whipped crosses cannot be seemingly replicated by anyone else in the Arsenal squad.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deemed a worthy backup, but his performance against Crystal Palace cast doubts in manager Mikel Arteta’s mind.

Against Southampton, Cedric was played as a left-back but endured a disappointing outing. His crosses were wayward and his inability to deliver them off his weaker foot severely hampered Arsenal’s build-up play.

With Maty Ryan secured and Martin Odegaard on his way, Arsenal could be in the market for another left-back too.


#4 Eddie Nketiah doesn’t take his chance

Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton vs Arsenal

It seems as though England’s U21 all-time top scorer - Eddie Nketiah - is at a crossroads in his Arsenal career.

With his contract expiring next summer, Nketiah’s situation isn’t helped because a certain Folarin Balogun is banging on the door for the former's spot.

Against Southampton, the 21-year-old was handed a rare start as the focal point of the Arsenal attack. However, despite his work rate, he struggled in the final third.

Across the 90 minutes, Nketiah attempted three shots, created one chance and found himself offside on three occasions.

#3 Nicolas Pepe shows signs of life

Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton vs Arsenal

Nicolas Pepe had a decent outing for Arsenal against Southampton.

The 25-year-old alternated between hugging the right touchline and trying to probe the Saints in central areas. Out of Arsenal’s attacking players, it was only Pepe who looked capable of making something happen.

At times, he switched onto the left flank to keep the Southampton defenders on their toes.

During his 90 minutes on the field, the Ivorian created five chances, more than that of any other Arsenal player.


#2 Southampton live to fight another day

Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton vs Arsenal

It’s funny to think that it wasn’t too long ago Southampton lost 9-0 to Leicester City. However, since then, the Saints have risen up to ninth in the league table and now have a place in the FA Cup fifth round too.

Wins over Liverpool and Arsenal at home in recent weeks have only reaffirmed that Ralph Hasenhuttl is the right man to take Southampton forward.

The FA Cup win over Arsenal will put his men in good stead for their second game against the same opposition on Tuesday.


#1 Willian disappoints again

Southampton vs Arsena
Southampton vs Arsenal

For some players, form is temporary while class is permanent, but for Willian, this phrase doesn’t seem to apply.

This season, the 32-year-old has been nothing short of horrific. Whatever position he has played in, he has failed to deliver.

He has been unable to create goalscoring chances and has also struggled to link up with his teammates in possession.

Against Southampton, the Brazilian was played as a #10, a position many feel may be his most effective role.

However, in an uninspiring performance against Southampton, Willian lost the ball a whopping ten times, created only one chance and completed just 36 passes.

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Edited by Bhargav