Wenger’s team managed a great first half against Southampton where they dominated throughout the entire 45 minutes. The Gunners’ boss sent out his best formation who all showed great determination and incredible skill. It was a joy to see Ozil, Wilshere, Ramsey and Giroud mess around with Southampton’s defensive line who looked overwhelmed by the speed and precision of their opponents’ game. Even so the Emirates team still could have done better. Their left side was not in tune with the rest of the players, barely getting involved in the game. Cazorla and Gibbs were absent throughout the entire game and did not contribute to any of the Gunners’ attacks. Arteta was also a bit out of form which led to his substitution with 25 minutes to go.
The first ten minutes of the game were not that exciting. Arsenal where the first to cause some action in front of goal. Wilshere got the ball over Boruc but Southampton’s stopper managed to avoid an early opener. From then on the Gunners dominated the game. Ramsey proved once again he is in great form after hitting the post in the most spectacular way. If the ball would have gone in, it could have been the goal of the season.
With 22 minutes gone, Giroud anticipated poor play by Boruc who tried to dribble in front of the Frenchman. Southampton’s keeper stumbled and Arsenal’s striker stole the ball to score one of his easiest goals of the season. The rest of the first half was evenly balanced. Koscielny and Sagna made some great tackles and prevented Rodriguez and Lallana from getting close to Szczesny’s goal.
The second half started off with Southampton on the attacking side. Even so, Arsenal’s defense looked up to the challenge. Up until the 70th minute the away team had a 60% possession rate which was unexpected after watching the first part of the game. Despite being dominated, the Gunners were given a penalty after Fonte pulled Mertesacker down in a corner battle. The match ended with a 2 goal victory for Wenger’s team who remain first in the Premier League standings.