Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 2-0 Southampton: 5 Talking points and tactical analysis
Arsenal swatted aside the Saints’ challenge as they ran out winners with a 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates. The Gunners avenged their defeat at Southampton earlier in the season to propel themselves into the fourth spot.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing at the start as the Gunners were put under immediate pressure. The away side exploited the hosts’ susceptibility on the break to send Nathan Redmond clear. The Englishman though, couldn’t make the most of his opportunity as he was denied by Bernd Leno.
Moments later, the Gunners sprang a quick counter-attack of their own to go ahead as Alexandre Lacazette pirouetted superbly near the half-way line before finding Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian’s cross eventually found its way to Henrikh Mkhitaryan whose scuffed shot was fittingly turned in by Lacazette.
In the 17th minute, Mkhitaryan made the net bulge himself as he smashed a low shot past a hapless Angus Gunn. The Saints tried to throw everything they had at the Gunners yet couldn’t breach the latter’s rear-guard in the second period.
Here is a look at the major talking points from the game:
#5. Arsenal’s attack blows the Saints away
Arsenal came into the game on the back of a 3-0 victory over BATE Borisov in mid-week. Though the Gunners put three past the Belarusians, their attacking play left a lot to be desired. However, on Sunday, Arsenal was back to their effervescent attacking best.
While the hosts would be kicking themselves to have scored only twice against Southampton, their approach play was slick and their movement caused the away side all sorts of problems.
Iwobi, in particular, was magnificent throughout and his wonderful inter-play with Sead Kolasinac came to the fore on several occasions. In addition, Lacazette enjoyed an excellent game as the focal point of the attack with his tendency to drop deep and then spin in behind proving extremely useful.
Mkhitaryan too notched an assist (though it wasn’t intended) and a goal to help strengthen his case for a starting berth. Though there have been occasions when Arsenal has been more clinical, today represented a complete attacking display sans the enormous amount of goals.
And after a period of patchy performances, Unai Emery would want his troops to build on the showing as they encounter a tricky run of games.