An exciting contest between Arsenal and Southampton ended 3-2 at the Emirates. The visitors broke the deadlock with Shane Long’s easy tap-in from the six-yard box. Mustafi was caught daydreaming inside the box as the Saints forward squeezed in a strong foot in front of him in the 12th minute. 0-1
Aubameyang slid in the equaliser in the midst of congested Southampton box. 1-1
Danny Welbeck was picked out perfectly by Alex Iwobi on the left wing in the 28th minute. The Englishman cut inside with speed and smashed in an effort with his right. The ball deflected off Jack Stephen’s leg and ended up inside the net. 2-1
Both sides came close to scoring but it did not happen before the 73rd minute. Charlie Austin came on to register his 4th goal in 4 matches against the North London club. Cedric Soares picked out the 28-year-old for an easy tap in. 2-2
With all three points on the line, Arsenal raised the urgency and threw everything at the opposition. After making a howler in front of an open goal, Welbeck made amends by heading in Iwobi’s cross over two of Southampton’s defenders. 3-2
The match was far from over at that point as some time was still left for the visitors to equalize and for Arsenal to grab another. Jack Wilshere got into a tussle with Jack Stephens with the later getting sent off for shoving the Arsenal number 10 into the ground. Wilshere got a yellow and Elneny got a red for standing up for his teammate.
3-2 after 90 minutes.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated on the night.
Petr Cech – 7/10
He was well tested tonight and made a few brilliant saves. Helpless for both the Saints goal.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
Made a crucial goal-line save and delivered a couple of good crosses inside the opposition box.
Shkodran Mustafi – 4/10
It’s nights like these when you really start to question whether he is the real culprit behind Arsenal’s defensive woes. Absolute shocking marking inside the box saw the Saints break the deadlock. No communication with his teammates and night full of rash challenges.
Calum Chambers – 5/10
Very shaky at the back and sometimes well beaten by the pace of Long.
Sead Kolasinac – 5/10
A low impact night for the Bosnian as he tried to provide width by surging forward.
Mohamed Elneny – 7/10
Not the most prolific in terms of distribution but highly reliable. A tireless runner on defence and seldom lost possession. Sadly will face a match suspension for his teammate’s antics. Red Carded.
Granit Xhaka – 5/10
A mix of good and bad. Good with his interceptions, bad with decision making.
Reiss Nelson – 6/10
Looked very comfortable on the ball and linked up well with his teammates.
Alex Iwobi – 7/10
Was fairly quiet early in the game but came alive in the second half. He constantly threatened with his clever touches and lobbed deliveries inside the opposition box. Earned himself two assists.
Danny Welbeck – 8/10
The man of the hour and difference maker when it mattered the most. He got the lead back for his team almost immediately after conceding, on both occasions.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7/10
Sleek, subtle and classy. Perfect off the ball movement and equally clinical with it.
Substitutes:
Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10
Not the most influential.
Jack Wilshere – 4/10
Lucky to have not been sent off tonight. Needs to work on his temper if plans on leading the team someday.
Rob Holding – 6/10
A solid defensive outfit when called upon.
