By Boris Mellor
October 6 2024

Once again one of those strange matches where Arsenal dominate the game and yet the opposition score first. But Saints scoring first only served to antagonise the Gunners and led to their instant demise. It was like grabbing a Tiger by the tail and not knowing what the next move should be. However Arteta and Arsenal knew what the next moves should be.

7 - Raya – Not a lot to do let down by defence for that really rare Southampton goal
7 - Partey – Quite a surprise when fans realise he was playing at RB Steady Eddy at the back not so great moving up

7 - Saliba – a rare mistake for that rare thing a Saints goal. his fault. But not entirely his fault as rest of team pushing up with little attention to what was behind him
7 - Gabriel – Steady in defence Ramsdale’s knowledge of Arsenal’s Dark Arts at corners kept him at bay

7 - Calafiori – High speed dynamo always looking to go forward. Got lucky a few times but once the rough edges are smoothed off will be a great inverted or overlapping back

6 – Jorginho looked happy to be taken off, steady enough but rarely lit any fires

6 - Rice – Better in defence than attack
8 - Havertz - Was better as soon as he was able to claim the number 9 spot, once a goal down he knew what was needed and went for it. Worked well with Saka and a brilliant shot to beat Ramsdale

9 - Saka MotM Sheer genius, key assist and picked Saints pocket for a great goal that guaranteed victory for his team

5 - Jesus – Poor man looked pained and puzzled for the whole match

6 - Sterling – Had a steady game, lacks a little pace but could fit in nonetheless

Substitutes:
8 - Martinelli – Straight off the bench to score from Saka’s scintillating cross

7 - Merino – No nonsense dynamic midfielders just what is needed when team is flagging.
7 - Trossard Another one who makes an impact when needed, it could have gone wrong when his pass to Saka hit a Southampton player but Saka was there to snap it up and slide into the net

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