Arsenal’s Jesus, Saka 6/10 as league leaders drop factors in draw in opposition to Southampton

Arsenal missed the possibility to go 4 factors clear on the high of the Premier League because the wasteful Gunners had been held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton.

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The guests began effectively and Granit Xhaka’s emphatic end noticed Arteta’s males lead on the interval regardless of some wasteful ending.

However, as was the case at Leeds United per week in the past, the leaders ran out of steam within the second half and so they had been punished by Stuart Armstrong who latched onto Mohamed Elyounoussi’s cross and rolled the ball previous Aaron Ramsdale to safe his aspect a share of the spoils.

Positives

One other precious level within the bag for Arsenal who had been superior within the first half and needed to present loads of defensive resilience within the second. The Gunners stay high of the desk, whereas objectives proceed to come back from all through the group.

Negatives

Arteta can be disenchanted at how his aspect allowed Southampton again into the sport. His aspect had been outworked and outfought in a passive second-half show and so they had been made to pay for his or her wastefulness.

Supervisor score out of 10

Mikel Arteta, 6 — The Arsenal boss is the right instance of what you’ll be able to obtain while you give a very good supervisor time, however his aspect fizzled out at St Mary’s and Arteta’s substitutes did not make the identical affect that their opponent’s did

Participant rankings (1-10; 10 = finest, gamers launched after 70 minutes get no score)

GK Aaron Ramsdale, 7 – The Arsenal goalkeeper did effectively to handle a sequence of deep, in-swinging Ward-Prowse corners however he’ll be pissed off {that a} defensive lapse in focus price him his clear sheet.

DF Ben White, 7 – Confirmed his high quality on the ball when he performed a neat one-two with Saka earlier than clipping in a superb cross that Xhaka gratefully transformed. Learn the hazard effectively on the different finish to nip a few dangerous conditions within the bud.

DF William Saliba, 6 – Rescued a few instances by Gabriel at the start of the second half after a complacent cross our from the again was seized upon by Adam Armstrong. He was in any other case stable, however you’ll be able to’t be doing that at 1-0 regardless of how good you’ve got been.

DF Gabriel, 8 – If he was a few inches taller the central defender would have had the guests in entrance inside 5 minutes as Saka’s inviting supply nearly evaded his head. Reacted swiftly to tidy up after a mistake from Saliba and gained the whole lot. Colossal.

DF Takehiro Tomiyasu, 5 – Did not actually look snug working on the left and allowed Elyounoussi to chop inside and select Stuart Armstrong all too simply as Southampton hit Arsenal with the sucker punch.

MF Thomas Partey, 5 – Made it tough for James Ward-Prowse to affect the sport within the opening 45 minutes and picked out Odegaard in house after stealing possession. He was sloppy after the interval and did not nullify the inspired hosts in the identical approach.

MF Granit Xhaka, 8 – One other optimistic efficiency and one other purpose for the revitalised midfielder who smashed an early effort straight on the legs of Bazunu earlier than unleashing a thunderbolt to interrupt the impasse.

MF Bukayo Saka, 6 – A glistening marketing campaign to date for the teenager who made his 53rd successive league begin. He began brightly and flicked the ball across the nook for Ben White, whose supply was crashed residence by Xhaka, however was (harshly) booked for diving.

MF Martin Odegaard, 6 – Stroked an inviting alternative simply extensive from the sting of the field, however he ought to have hit the goal. Responded effectively and confirmed his class when he neatly threaded the ball by means of to Jesus and brilliantly snuffed out a counter-attack on midway.

MF Gabriel Martinelli, 6 – Cut up Saints’ defence extensive open when he slotted in Jesus however the flag went up. Wasn’t far off doubling his aspect’s benefit with mesmerising dart throughout the face of purpose, however his effort deflected simply extensive.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 6 – Dragged defenders far and wide together with his wonderful motion however his ending was wasteful and that proved pricey. The ahead noticed a few efforts effectively saved by Bazunu and thrashed one other alternative into the aspect netting from a good angle.

Substitutes

MF Fabio Vieira, (Odegaard, 83″) N/R – Changed a weary-looking Odegaard within the 83rd minute. Labored laborious however could not emulate the Norwegian’s high quality.

DF Kieran Tierney, (Ben White, 72″) N/R – Very practically modified the sport. Had the travelling trustworthy screaming for a penalty as he regarded to nod again throughout purpose, however nothing doing in line with the officers. Arrange Odegaard to hammer residence however the ball had drifted simply out.

FW Eddie Nketiah, (Martinelli, 71″) N/R – Compelled a nook when his long-range strike was tipped extensive as Arsenal rallied late on, however he was pushed round a bit of bit by the Southampton defenders.