I don't think many people had Arsenal vs Southampton pegged as a “1st vs 3rd” clash at the start of the season. Ultimately two inexplicable errors from the away side were crucial. Arsenal took advantage, and have recovered from their defeat at Manchester United to extend their lead to 4 points at the top of the league.
Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – Another strong performance from Szczesny, who is having a fine season so far. He made some important saves – especially in the first-half – and claimed crosses competently.
Bacary Sagna – 8 – He is another who appears to have gotten his groove back this season. He defended stoutly, and his positioning was key to the win. His forward runs gave Arsenal their “out-ball”, and helped to create space for his teammates.
Laurent Koscielny – 8 – Koscielny came back from a horror show for France last week to perform excellently today. He made a series of excellent interventions, and made more successful clearances than any other player on the pitch (10).
Per Mertesacker – 7 – Another steady display for a man who has become one of the club's most important players. Led his defence admirably, and kept Rickie Lambert largely quiet.
Kieran Gibbs – 8 – Similarly to Sagna on the other flank, his positioning was very important to the win. He defended well after a slightly awkward start, and his forward runs helped Arsenal control the narrative of the contest. A superb display.
Aaron Ramsey – 6 – The Welshman almost gave Arsenal the lead with a sublime effort that was reminiscent of former favourite, Kanu. But beyond that, Ramsey was more perspiration than inspiration. He didn't play badly, but also wasn't up to the high standards that he's set this season.
Mikel Arteta – 6 – The captain appeared to miss having Mathieu Flamini alongside him, especially in the first-half. At times he was completely swamped in midfield, lacking the athleticism to adequately protect his back four. He passed the ball better in the second-half, before leaving the pitch with an injury.
Jack Wilshere – 7 – Wilshere hit the post with an chip early in the game, and was a lively presence throughout. He often got Arsenal going when their attacking football stuttered.
Mesut Ozil – 6 – Ozil didn't control the game as well as he could, although he did provide some delightful touches with his passing. However, his relatively low total of 60 touches in the match shows that he was a peripheral presence for much of the match
Santi Cazorla – 6 – The Spaniard was poor in the first-half. Maybe suffering from the air miles he's picked up with the Spanish national team, he often got caught on the ball. Ironically, he was substituted just as he appeared to be getting involved in the game.
Olivier Giroud – 8 – The Frenchman led the line brilliantly. A willing runner and link man for his teammates, Giroud had been going through something of a goal drought. So it was important that he ended up as the decisive contributor to the game, scoring both goals (albeit goals that were gifted to him).
SUBS
Theo Walcott – N/A – Looked a touch rusty. Almost scored with a good effort.
Tomas Rosicky – N/A – Came on for Arteta. Added much needed energy
Nacho Monreal – N/A – His habitual appearance to keep the lead safe.
Arsenal have tougher tests to come, but Southampton was still a tough test. They were difficult opposition, and while the goals were gift-wrapped, Arsenal were the better team, and earned their win. The title challenge rolls on.
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