Arsenal were superb on the south coast last night. Bukayo Saka impressed again at right-wing and picked up the man on the match award.

Cedric impressed at left-back and it could be a handy option going forward when Kieran Tierney is unavailable. 

Story of the match 

Arsenal were set back early on in the first half with Stewart Armstrong pouncing on a James Ward-Prowse corner.

The Gunners responded in quick fashion with a composed finish from Nicholas Pepe. Arsenal and Southampton then exchanged blows with chances for both sides before Bukayo Saka rounded Saints Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and slotted the ball home.

Arsenal’s high press was a major success story during the first half as Southampton struggled to play out from the back and misplaced many passes. 

The second half saw Arsenal sit back and allow Southampton to have the ball whilst The Gunners hit The Saints on the counterattack.

Pepe, Cedric and Starlet Saka were The Gunners star performers on the night with all three players being heavily involved in the goals.

Arsenal are now on a six game unbeaten run taking 16 out of a possible 18 points available this year. This game was also the first time this season Arsenal came from behind to win a game.  

Superb Saka shines once again

Bukayo Saka shone once again as he scored and assisted in The Gunners 3-1 win. The first goal was a composed finish as Alex Lacazette played the 19 Y/O English Winger through the Saints defence. Saka then returned the favour as he squared a pass on a plate for the Frenchman to slot home. The young winger has consistently performed this season and has been a vital part in this young Arsenal attack.

Other Star Performers:

Nicholas Pepe impressed in a new role on the left-hand side for his side. The 25-year-old Ivory coast winger got his team back into the game with a composed finish past McCarthy.

Pepe put pressure on the Southampton backline and enjoyed taking players on and making driving runs into the attacking third.

Cedric also provided a quietly brilliant performance in an unfamiliar role covering for Kieran Tierney on the left-hand side.

Cutting infield and switching the play with his stronger right foot really unsettled Southampton’s defenders and put his fellow teammate Saka in some really good attacking positions.  

Looking ahead: 

Arsenal face an inform Manchester United this Saturday in a clash that will see Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal put to the test. Second place United visit Emirates Stadium in the 5:30 kick off.

Earlier on in the season, The Gunners outclassed a United side that saw Thomas Partey boss the midfield and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang score from the Penalty spot in a 0-1 victory.

Both sides are in very different positions however at this stage with The Red Devils now sitting one point off top of the league and getting the best out of their star players including Paul PogbaBruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Arsenal will hope to have star players Tierney and Aubameyang back for Saturday’s game. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author