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Arsenal 1-1 Southampton: Post-Match Analysis and Player Ratings

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s equalizer cancelled out Theo Walcott’s opener as 10-men Arsenal dropped points again. Arsenal managed to 1-1 draw against Southampton in the English Premier League fixture on Wednesday.

Arsenal came into the match on the back of a losing streak at home. Arsenal’s 1-0 loss against Burnley meant for the first time in 60 years, the Gunners had lost 4 consecutive home games.

On the other hand, their Southampton had contrary fortunes as a victory at Emirates would have taken them to the top of the table. The match was played behind-closed-doors as London was shifted to under Tier-3 restrictions.

Arsenal 1-1 Southampton TEAM NEWS:

Arsenal were without Granit Xhaka, who served a 3- match suspension after a cynical red card against Burnley. Hector Bellerin also missed out after collecting 5th yellow card of the season.

Nicolas Pepe returned after serving a 3- match suspension. Willian and Alexandre Lacazette were dropped after a recent string of poor performances.

Former Gunner Theo Walcott started for the away side on his return to the Emirates. Southampton fielded an unchanged line up with Danny Ings and Che Adams alongside him.

Arsenal 1-1 Southampton MATCH ANALYSIS:

Arsenal were poor from the word go. Southampton on the other hand showed glimpses of why they are currently in 3rd spot. It didn’t take much time for hosts to concede as Former Arsenal player Theo Walcott, chipped Bernd Leno to put Southampton into the lead.

Gunners have failed to keep a single clean sheet at home this season. Arsenal had a penalty shout turned down after Dani Ceballos was brought down inside the box. Saints coped well with Arsenal’s forwards as the first half ended at 1-0.

North London giants started the 2nd half strongly and equalized after 7 minutes as Bukayo Saka’s brilliant run inspired Arsenal’s equalizer. Captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang expertly slotted it past McCarthy. But things went all downhill when Gabriel brought down Theo Walcott, therefore the referee had no choice to issue a second yellow and a red card.

This was Arsenal’s 3rd red card this season and 2 in 2 matches now. Arsenal’s poor defending resurfaced as Nathon Redmond easily found his way pass Holding, only for the crossbar to come to Leno’s rescue.

Arsenal went agonizingly close to taking the lead in extra time but here crossbar came to the rescue of a stranded Alex McCarthy. 10-men Arsenal held onto a 1-1 draw ending a 4 match losing streak at Emirates.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCE:

Theo Walcott (8/10)– Former Gunner, Theo Walcott wrecked havoc for the Arsenal defenders. Scored the opener for Saints and was instrumental in Gabriel’s sending off. Put in a solid defensive shift as well.

Bukayo Saka (7/10)– Arsenal’s best player on the pitch. 19-year-old midfielder produced a mature performance well beyond his age. Instrumental in Arsenal’s equalizer and all the good things Gunners did albeit few, went through him.

Gabriel (4/10)– Arguably his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt. Never looked settled. To haul Walcott down on the edge of the centre circle with players back was completely unnecessary.

MANAGER’S REACTION:

Yeah, considering the fact that we played 35 mins with ten men we have to take the point because we showed some resilience and character to hang in there for so long against a really dangerous team. But at the same time really disappointed because we came back after conceding the goal.

We showed how much we want it, we created some situations and after half time we corrected a few things, we came back really strong in the game scored a good goal. But when we have the best moment again we shoot ourselves in the foot.

– Arsenal Manager- Mikel Arteta

“I’m not unhappy. Last year we had a draw here, but I was more disappointed then because we had chances to win the game.

“Today, it’s okay for me to take the point. I think we did a very good first half, but it was clear in the second half that the opponent fights back. They have so much quality.

– Sothampton Manager- Ralph Hasenhüttl 

Arsenal travel to Merseyside on Saturday to face Everton in an attempt to end the 6 games winless streak. Everton are on the back of encouraging victories against Chelsea and Everton. Gunners are currently 15th with 14 points in 13 games.

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