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Nick Goodconversion author
Arsenal misplaced away to Southampton within the Premier League, thus lacking a wonderful alternative to attract with Tottenham Hotspur within the race for fourth place.
With rivals Tottenham shedding at residence to Brighton earlier within the day, Arsenal had the possibility to succeed in 57 factors and boast a sport in hand towards their neighbours. Nevertheless, regardless of a promising begin to the match and a stable end, there was a scarcity of urgency about Mikel Arteta’s males given the problem at hand. Jan Bednarek scored the decisive purpose within the internet and moments earlier than the top of the primary half when he hit the web from shut vary after a intelligent work from Mohamed Al-Younoussi.
Arsenal had earlier missed two good alternatives to interrupt the impasse earlier than this, with Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster making two glorious saves to disclaim the guests. Forster dived first to his decrease proper to dam Gabriel Martinelli after which as much as his proper to thwart Bukayo Saka – who actually ought to have accomplished a greater job – at shut vary.
Forster then proved troublesome to beat within the second half, with Eddie Nketiah, Saka and Granit Xhaka all shut.
It’s now three defeats in a row for Arteta’s males, edging out Manchester United within the race for an elusive Champions League spot.
Table of Contents
Positives
Arsenal began beautifully and dominated possession, racking up two early scoring possibilities. The Gunners then had 80% possession at first of the second half, 76% general.
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Negatives
Arsenal can be kicking themselves for failing to construct on a vibrant begin. They have been responsible of losing good alternatives earlier than seemingly operating out of energy. They threatened to be late, however it was a little bit late.
Supervisor ranking out of 10
5 – Mikel Arteta began with Saka on the left and Martinelli on the suitable, who would not appear to get the very best out of both participant. On high of that, he continued with Cedric on set items, which appeared odd contemplating the rating each time he took one. Arteta then moved to 3 protection whereas chasing the match and whereas Arsenal elevated the stress on the hosts, they have been unable to revive parity.
Participant scores (1-10; 10 = greatest, gamers given after 70 minutes get no ranking)
GK Aaron Ramsdale, 5 – The goalkeeper did not have a lot to do as Arsenal dominated possession in entrance of him within the first half hour. His first main contribution was to get the ball out of his internet. The England worldwide aided in Bednarek’s efforts, however could not cease it.
D.F. Ben White, 5 – He struggled to maintain up with Armando Bruga within the opening exchanges. He was additionally responsible of slowing play at instances when he took the ball out of protection, and that did not change when he moved ahead in Arteta’s second-half adjustment.
DF Gabriel Magalhaes, 6 The defender was responsible of enjoying with the Saints’ attackers on-line moments earlier than they scored. Nevertheless, he was one of many few Arsenal gamers who tried to interrupt boundaries together with his distribution.
DF Cedric Soares, 4 – He returned to St. Mary’s however solely to the irony. His first free kick went straight into the aspect netting from a promising place, and the second went over the bar. Poor efficiency.
DF Nuno Tavares, 4 – The Portuguese defender began this match higher than the earlier two matches, however quickly misplaced his method. He gave option to Nicholas Pepe within the second half.
MF Martin Odegaard, 5 – A disappointing afternoon from the captain, who didn’t create a lot of a noticeable ultimate third till a muddled shot late within the sport from the sting of the field.
MF Albert Sambi Lokonga, 4 – Lokonga caught the ball in deep positions however was gradual to maneuver the ball. He was additionally convicted of lack of possession on quite a few events.
MF Granite Shaka, 5 – He was allowed to enterprise additional ahead within the second half and it virtually paid off when Forster blocked his efforts.
FW Bukayo Saka, 6 – The winger ought to have given Arsenal the lead when he had the purpose at his mercy, however his efforts – together with his weaker foot – have been overturned over the bar by Forster. He got here shut twice within the second half however could not beat Forster.
FW Eddie Nketiah, 6 – He led the road within the absence of Alexandre Lacazette and labored tirelessly to stress the Southampton defence. He needed to be affected person on his first try on purpose, however like his teammates they could not discover a option to get previous Forster.
FW Gabriel Martinelli, 6 I had Arsenal’s first likelihood within the match. He reduce from the suitable aspect on his left foot and compelled Forster to carry down a low to his proper. He then made Saka with a wonderful move shortly thereafter. She appeared vibrant the entire time.
options
Emile Smith Rowe (Suares, 60) 6 – He introduced a higher sense of the urgency of Arsenal’s assault, which can depart followers at a loss as to why he was not concerned.
Nicholas Pepe (Tavares, 70) Not relevant The Frenchman appeared very vigorous within the final 20 minutes. Southampton can be grateful they didn’t begin the match.
