The Saints were once again frustrated at St. Mary’s, as they lost three valuable points to Arsenal in a game that ended 2-0 to the Gunners.
Claude Puel’s men hadn’t scored in two consecutive games coming into the clash, and were held once again by a poor performance in the Saints’ attack.
Puel made one change to the side that drew 0-0 to Liverpool, as Sofiane Boufal was replaced by Nathan Redmond, and Dusan Tadic, who hasn’t been at his best in the past few games, started once again.
Arsenal had come off the back of a 2-0 win over Manchester United last Sunday, and were full of confidence coming into this match.
The Saints started well, and missed out a few good chances in the early stages and continued to create scoring opportunities throughout the first half, as Manolo Gabbiadini came close but Redmond went even closer, as his 20 yard shot was well saved by Gunners keeper Petr Cech.
Arsenal fought back though and were unlucky not to score before half time, as Danny Welbeck couldn’t quite connect his header from a cross, and the half time whistle went soon after.
Arsenal had the majority of chances in the second half, and took their chance in the 61st minute, as Alexis Sanchez latched onto a pass from a mistake in defence.
The Chilean faked to shoot which sent Cedric and Jack Stephens sliding, then slotted the ball through Fraser Forster’s legs to give the Gunners the lead.
Saints looked lost after the goal, and were hurt even more when Olivier Giroud headed home from close range to guarantee Arsenal the three points at St. Mary’s.
Here are five things we learned after the loss:
