Arsenal were lucky to get away with a point against Southampton, in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates that will only mount pressure on manager Unai Emery. The Gunners started the game on the back foot after Danny Ings scored an early eighth-minute goal. But, Emery’s men were quick to respond, with Alexandre Lacazette levelling the scoreline ten minutes later. The hosts tried to find more scoring opportunities but were eventually bogged down by Southampton’s rigidity.
In the second half, Arsenal further pushed Southampton back in their search to take the lead. However, it was the Saints, who enjoyed more clear cut opportunities and even restored their lead through James Ward-Prowse. But, they missed their opportunities too, with Djenepo notably missing two golden chances at the end. And, they were punished accordingly when Lacazette fired home the second equaliser during the sixth minute of the added time, helping Arsenal secure an undeserved point.
Here is how Emery’s men fared in their draw with Southampton this evening.
Bernd Leno 7
It was an unfortunate evening for Leno, who did save Ward-Prowse’s penalty but was ultimately undone by the rebound. He could have done nothing to save Ings’ effort in the first half. It’s safe to say that the German was undone sheerly due to the futility of his own defenders.
Hector Bellerin 4
A mediocre performance from the Spaniard, who seemed to only increase Arsenal’s defensive frailties with his loose passing and poor build-up. Except for his athleticism, he wasn’t useful at all, on the right flank.
Calum Chambers 5
It was not the ideal decision from Emery to employ a three-man backline. But, Chambers was perhaps the best of the bunch, which says a lot regarding the performances of the defenders this evening. The 23-year-old was confident with his forward passes, though he did struggle coping with the defensive pressure.
Sokratis 3
Yet another disastrous display from the Greek, who apparently transforms into the worst defender in the world when playing out from the back. He looked clueless at times and almost cost Arsenal a goal at the end with a defensive error.
David Luiz 3
From being one of the best defenders in Europe, Luiz has turned into a liability here at Arsenal. The Brazilian had no idea of his markers and didn’t seem to do anything to stop them from making runs into the box. A laughable display at the back.
Kieran Tierney 7
One would feel bad for Tierney for being penalised for a relatively soft tug, which cost Arsenal the penalty that resulted in Southampton’s second goal. Aside from that, the Scot was reliable and was committed to redeeming himself whenever he made an error. Not to mention, he produced some dangerous crosses from the far side.
Lucas Torreira 7.5
Torreira’s dynamism and tenacity in midfield completely out shadowed Matteo Guendouzi. He worked hard and provided cover for the backline. It was a promising display from the Uruguayan, who might have a future at Arsenal following the decline of Granit Xhaka.
Mateo Guendouzi 6
Struggled to make his presence felt in the middle third. He found it difficult to cope with the tenacity of players like Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. His passing was also clumsy, at times.
Mesut Ozil 6.5
It’s safe to say that Ozil lacked support from the Arsenal midfielders. He got often overwhelmed by the Southampton midfielders, but he did thread a lot of delightful passes when he was given the time and space to work his magic. He notably provided the pass that freed Tierney on the far side. The Scot’s cross led to Arsenal’s first equaliser.
Alexandre Lacazette 8
A hard-working display from the Frenchman, who was adamant on swinging the tie back in Arsenal’s favour all by himself. His commitment and excellent offensive positioning helped score both the goals, though in the end, it was not enough.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 6.5
Impressed the onlookers with his work-rate as he often tracked back and picked the ball up from midfield. But, his influence eventually faded as the game wore on.
SUBSTITUTES
Nicolas Pepe 6
Made an instant impression after replacing Chambers at high-time. However, he could done a lot better to provide a square pass to Ozil during a counter-attack in the second half. The Ivorian was also unlucky to have hit the bar, after volleying the ball from a Tierney cross. Faded as the game progressed though.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Didn’t get involved as much as he would have wanted to, after replacing Bellerin in the 83rd minute. However, provided the assist for Lacazette for the second equaliser.
Joe Willock N/A
Willick initiated a quick counter-attack just after coming on for Torreira. The Englishman also saved Arsenal’s blushes by making an important clearance, denying Djenepo the third goal.
