Arsenal didn’t seize the chance to shut the hole between the highest 4, as Jan Bednarek’s first-half purpose plus an inspiring show from goalkeeper Fraser Forster led Southampton to a 1-0 win.
The Gunners knew a win would tie them on factors with rivals Tottenham, who misplaced 1-0 at residence to Brighton earlier within the day, however they have been unable to discover a method to get previous Forster and as an alternative suffered their third defeat in a row.
Bednarik gave Southampton the lead one minute earlier than the break after Saints goalkeeper Bukayo Saka brilliantly blocked an early purpose.
The 34-year-old made a collection of spectacular saves within the second half, and Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette missed after testing optimistic for Covid, to offer the hosts their first win in six matches.
Table of Contents
How did Forester deny Arsenal?
Fraser-Forster was incredible for Southampton in maintaining Arsenal away
Gabriel Martinelli pressured Forster’s first save within the ninth minute when he minimize in from the suitable and despatched a curved shot into the far nook that was blocked by the goalkeeper.
However Forrester’s finest cease – and maybe this season – got here from Southampton’s mistake inside their very own half. Yan Valeri telegraphed a cross to Lyanco permitting Eddie Nketiah to intercept and he moved the ball to Martinelli, who crossed for Saka however was pushed from shut vary fantastically by Forster’s proper hand.
Nuno Tavares has returned to Arsenal’s left-back place for the primary time since he was despatched off at half-time towards Crystal Palace earlier this month. He had a stable 70 minutes and made two errors within the last third from Southampton in the course of the first half, and the second resulted in Cedric Soares hitting the set piece when he was the higher choice.
Arsenal managed the ball and Southampton have been unable to launch any significant counter-attacks of their new 3-4-3 kind, however they snatched the opener a minute earlier than halftime by an sudden supply. Arsenal cleared a nook kick for James Ward-Prowse however then stopped when Romain Perot recycled it within the space. Mohamed El Younosi ran the ball to Bednarik, who completed off the match calmly the primary time Ramsdal obtained his hand however was unable to clear it.
Arsenal have solely received 4 factors from the dropping positions this season – solely Wolves (3) have had fewer – and initially of the second half it was clear that the pattern would proceed. Perraud was denied making a brace by a wonderful blocker from Ben White after making his method into the world.
Emile Smith Rowe’s introduction was a lot wanted for Arsenal because the midfielder instantly burst right into a unfastened ball within the Southampton space however noticed his shot blocked by Martinelli.
Smith Roe was then brilliantly rejected by Forster because the Southampton keeper parried a shot from shut vary earlier than parrying as soon as extra from Saka, resulting in Martin Odegaard’s vast shot. There was nonetheless loads of time for Forster to banish the curling effort from Granite Chaka of late.
Hasenhuttl: The change in model labored; The goalkeeper was nice
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Southampton supervisor Ralph Hessenhuttl described Fraser-Forster’s efficiency as “wonderful”, after he made a collection of spectacular saves to maintain Arsenal in turmoil.
Ralph Hasenotl was joyful his facet might break their six-game profitable streak to emerge victorious over struggling Arsenal, who failed to attain regardless of scoring 23 makes an attempt on purpose.
The Saints placed on an uncharacteristic show within the wake of final week’s 6-0 defeat to Chelsea – and selected to give attention to defensive resilience in favor of their traditional model of urgent.
“We knew it was time to indicate a response,” the Austrian mentioned. “And to indicate that we will additionally play somewhat in a different way. Right this moment was a distinct recreation; lower than 30 % of possession I do not assume we have had it this season but. We did not wish to give them an opportunity to get an early ball. We wished to be compact.”
“We wished to scale back the errors we made in latest weeks as a result of it’s a must to when you will have conceded 13 objectives in 4 video games. You must change issues. That is what we did immediately. I do know we will play extra soccer, I do know we will play higher. However from It is also good to know that we will defend on this method.”
He stored a phrase of reward for the efficiency of Forster, whose contract expired on the finish of this season, however he has confirmed invaluable towards Arsenal’s arsenal: “A goalkeeper was distinctive immediately. We do not neglect, as a result of in any other case, it appears completely different.”
“It is nice to get such a reward for such a match. That is very particular. I am very joyful for him. He is enjoying to win for Southampton and positively to stick with us.”
Opta stats: Arsenal’s assault fails once more
- Southampton have stored six clear sheets within the Premier League, having conceded 15 objectives of their 5 matches earlier than the day (3 per recreation).
- Arsenal have misplaced all of their final three Premier League video games, having misplaced solely two of their earlier 13 matches (W11 D1). It is the third dropping streak of their three seasons beneath Mikel Arteta.
- There have been 11 instances of a group that has scored greater than 20 photographs however failed to attain in a Premier League match this season, three of which have been for Arsenal. Arsenal scored 23 makes an attempt towards Southampton immediately.
- Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has stored three clear sheets in seven Premier League video games towards Arsenal, and solely stored extra towards West Bromwich Albion and Swansea Metropolis (4 every).
What’s Subsequent?
Wednesday twentieth April 7:00 PM
Begins at 7:45 PM
Arsenal journey to Chelsea on Wednesday at 7.45pm – LIVE Sky Sports activities Premier League – Earlier than Southampton heads to Burnley on Thursday at 7.45 pm – LIVE Sky Sports activities Premier League.
Arsenal’s remaining matches
April 20 – Chelsea (A)And Reside on Sky Sports activities
April 23 Manchester United (at residence)
Might 1 – West Ham (A)And Reside on Sky Sports activities
Might 8 Leeds (h)And Reside on Sky Sports activities
Might 12 Tottenham (A)And Reside on Sky Sports activities
Might 16 Newcastle (A)Reside broadcast on Sky Sports activities
Might 22 – Everton (H)
