Arsenal grind out a win against the surprise package of the season so far, Southampton. Arsenal build on two wins to make it a third consecutive win as they look to build a run of form to push up the Premier League table and beat a team currently above them in the league for the first time this season.
The first half started slowly and didn’t prove to present many chances to either of the sides as both defences stayed strong and compact. Although chances were sparse, Welbeck missed a good chance after being played through by Santi Cazorla.
Southampton had arguably the most clear cut chance of the half as Pelle found himself behind the Arsenal defence, however rushed his shot as he blasted it over the crossbar. Welbeck again had another couple of chances to break the deadlock as his back heel was blocked and Fraiser Forster managed to make a fantastic reflex save from Welbeck’s deflected header.
Another slow start to the half saw impatience begin to grow among the Arsenal fans as the side struggled to create chances against Southampton who currently boast the best defensive record in the league campaign so far. Fans were disappointed to see in form Alex Oxlade Chamberlain replaced, meanwhile it proved to be a bold and positive decision from Wenger to bring Olivier Giroud as Arsenal searched for a goal and the three points at the Emirates Stadium.
The substitution of Giroud gave the Gunners a new and refreshing dimension to the attacking play, his lively impact seeing a chance presented his way almost immediately, but Forster stood in his way. Frustration started to set in while Arsenal remained calm and continued to create chances late in the game as Lukas Podolski was introduced. Podolski came close to creating a goal but Giroud’s header forced Forster in to another impressive reflex save.
The Southampton resistance was finally broken in the 88th minute of the game as Alexis Sanchez bags another goal with Aaron Ramsey pulling the ball back for the Chilean to slot in from close range.
Player ratings
Emiliano Martinez- 6- A third consecutive start and a third consecutive clean sheet for the 22-year-old goalkeeper. He looked confident coming out of his six yard area to command his box and collect crosses all game. Didn’t have many shots to save as Southampton failed to pose much of an attacking threat, but yet again did everything that was asked of him.
Calum Chambers- 7.5- A solid performance and a candidate for Arsenal’s man of the match award as he held a strong defensive line to earn Arsenal another clean sheet. He also bombed forward well to give Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand a tough job at left back and delivered promising crosses.
Laurent Koscielny- 7- The introduction of Koscielny back to the Arsenal first team has brought back a stability and organisation in the Arsenal defence. He defended well to limit Southampton’s chances in the game and headed clear all crosses which posed a threat to Arsenal.
Per Mertesacker- 6- Looking much more comfortable with his regular centre back partner re-introduced after injury. Per provided organisation to the Arsenal defence but didn’t need to be called in to action too often.
Nacho Monreal- 6- Recovered quickly from an injury suffered in the West Brom game and managed to earn a place in the starting line- up. Provided good cover in the defence and stopped any threat of Southampton’s key players such as Tadic, and got forward as Arsenal looked for a goal in the late stages of the game.
Mathieu Flamini- 6- Worked very hard in the midfield to press the Southampton players when in possession and put in some good tackles. An important part of helping Arsenal to another clean sheet in the league.
Aaron Ramsey-6- Another below par performance from the Welshman compared to his stardom of last season. Although he struggled tonight he managed to supply the cross for Alexis Sanchez’ vital goal which proved to win Arsenal the three points.
Santi Cazorla- 6- Didn’t manage to play as pivotal of a role which he did in the West Brom game, but still tried to play some clever through balls in hope of breaking the Southampton resistance. Still looks poor in front of goal which he needs to improve in his game.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain-6- One of Arsenal’s brighter sparks in a lacklustre first half but struggled produce a repeat of his form in recent matches. Looked disappointed to be substituted in the 64th minute of the game against his former club.
Alexis Sanchez-6.5- A slightly quieter night for Sanchez as he couldn’t find a way through on goal in the first half as he has so many times this season. However he bailed Arsenal out of jail once again scoring the only goal of the game late in the second half following an Aaron Ramsey cut back.
Danny Welbeck- 6- Had some chances in the game but his finishing was off target as he failed to find a breakthrough. Worked hard when pressing the Southampton defence as he always does, however was substituted in the 80th minute.
Olivier Giroud -6.5- Looked bright and energetic when brought on as a substitute and almost scored past an impressive Forster in the Southampton goal as he saw a shot and header well saved.
Lukas Podolski- N/A- Late substitute in the game and almost provided an assist but Giroud’s header was well saved.
Although it wasn’t convincing from the Gunners tonight, another important three points were earned against a well organised and resistant Southampton side. Arsenal will now look to build on a recent good run of results as they travel to Stoke to face a side who Arsene Wenger’s men have struggled against in recent years.
