Arsenal dished out a decent performance in their encounter against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium and won the contest by 2-0. Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 6th minute of the match. Henrikh Mkhitaryan added a second in the 17th minute of the game and gave his side a 2-0 lead, which turned out to be unassailable as the Saints were unable to make a comeback in the match.
Here is how the Arsenal players were rated from their win against Southampton.
Bernd Leno: 7
The German goalkeeper had a good game in the goal for the Gunners. Made a few good saves to ensure that he got his clean sheet.
Stephan Lichtsteiner: 6
Looked good on the attack and solid defensively. Seemed a bit fatigued in the second half though and was replaced by Laurent Koscielny.
Shkodran Mustafi: 7
Good defensive display from the German as he stepped up to his job to help his compatriot Leno leave the pitch with a clean sheet. He is seemingly finding it easier to do his duties with Sokratis.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos: 7
Equally superb performance from the Greek international alongside his partner Mustafi. Made some very good tackles and interceptions to see off the danger from the Saints.
Sead Kolasinac: 7
Looked to get the ball up the pitch whenever the opportunity was there. Made a number of good runs not only down the flanks but also through the middle of the pitch. It was a pity to see his unselfish pass being squandered by Lacazette.
Lucas Torreira: 7
A very calm and composed performance from the Uruguayan international in the middle of the pitch for the Gunners. Vied for the ball well and kept making crucial interceptions to break down the Southampton attacks in the middle of the pitch.
Granit Xhaka: 7
Did well in the holding role and kept getting the ball in the right channels with his accurate passing. Helped in getting extra cover for the defensive duo.
Aaron Ramsey: 7
He might be on the go next summer but is still giving his everything on the pitch. Made a number of darting runs into the danger area and passed the ball to his teammates with pinpoint accuracy. Hope we see more of him in the rest of the season.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 8
Played a superb game of football with his delectable passing and shot-making. Set up Lacazette for the opening goal of the match early. Scored the second one for his side and helped them get over the line.
Alex Iwobi: 6
Deceived the opposition defenders with his classy footwork on a number of options but could not get the final shot away. Was substituted in the second half.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7
Looked sharp in the box throughout the match. Gave his side the lead with a fine shot early in the game. Should have notched up a second from Kolasinac’s pass but wasted the golden chance.
Substitutes
Laurent Koscielny: 7
Looked solid as usual since coming on. Kept the opposition strikers quiet most of the time.
Mesut Ozil: 7
Didn’t get many opportunities but made a few sharp turns and got the ball in the right areas with his passing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7
Did well since he entered the fray. No goal for him on the night though.
