After looking like a draw for the longest time Arsenal finally scored a goal and clinched all 3 points against Southampton. Alexis Sanchez struck two minutes from time to give Arsenal victory for his 14th goal overall since joining the Gunners. The Saints have never won at Arsenal and to be honest didn’t look like they were going to change that. The victory, coming on the heels of the win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, pushes Arsenal into the top six, while Saints stay third despite a second successive defeat following their home loss against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. Also Southampton finished with 10 men on the field as Toby Alderweireld, who suffered a hamstring injury after manager Ronald Koeman had used his three substitutes, had to leave the pitch unable to continue.
Visiting goalkeeper Fraser Forster had kept Arsenal at bay with a collection of fine saves from Danny Welbeck and substitute Olivier Giroud, but he was powerless to prevent Gunners talisman Sanchez pouncing on Aaron Ramsey’s cross to score his 14th goal of the season. Welbeck had the first opportunity of the night when he was played in by Santi Cazorla’s pass but he could not get himself set and ended up steering a presentable chance just wide. Neither goalkeeper saw serious action until first-half stoppage time, when Southampton’s Forster reacted well to turn Welbeck’s flicked header over the top. The striker also tried a backheel at the near post but was crowded out by Saints’ defenders. As time went on Wenger brought on Olivier Giroud, which the fans liked, but took off The OX, which fans booed.
Giroud almost immediately tested Forster with a snap shot as Arsenal attempted to finally apply concerted pressure on a resolute and well-organised Southampton defence. The French striker then showed initiative with a neat flick to release Welbeck but Forster’s reactions again came to the Saints’ rescue as he made a fine one-handed save. Positives : Kos looks great at the back, Martinez looked to be gaining confidence, we have 3 clean sheets in a row, Chambers & Monreal (who was doubtful for the match) had good games. After 14 games we have 23 points with a 7 goal difference and sit in 6th.