Arsenal 0-0 Southampton - 5 Talking Points
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Southampton at the Emirates Stadium last night. Despite the scoreline, the game had plenty of action at either end, but ended up scoreless nonetheless. With plenty of varied performances across the pitch, Arsenal and Southampton were both glad yet disappointed to come away with a share of the spoils.Arsenal were delivered a body blow to their title challenge, as the dropped points meant that they trail leaders Leicester City by 5 points, while Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur leapfrogged the Gunners, with the Saints climbing to 7th.Here are 5 talking points from the game.
#1 Arsenal\'s returnees need to fire
The Gunners have adequately weathered the injury to key personnel, but that could only last for so long. Alexis Sanchez and Francis Coquelin have come back from injury, but could not perform with the same rhythm that they did pre-injury.
Sanchez is the Gunner's talisman and while he was tireless as ever, failed to provide a lethal spark for Arsenal. However, the Chilean did dovetail well with Mesut Ozil, with the duo interchanging positions at will, Sanchez played the role of provider far too often when Arsenal really needed him at the sharp end of the pitch. The electrity that Sanchez normally brings to Arsenal’s attack was missing, and the Emirates faithful will hope he comes into rhythm sooner rather than later.
Francis Coquelin came on quite late in the game for Mathieu Flamini and promptly picked up a yellow card. The younger of Arsenal's French defensive midfielders would have protected Arsenal's defence from Southampton's raids on the counter attack far better than Flamini did. Arsene Wenger will hope that Coquelin remains fit and gets up to speed as soon as possible for the run in.