Southampton were left frustrated once again this season as they were held to a draw by Arsenal on Sunday.
Although a point against Arsenal looks good on paper, the Saints should have been out of sight in the match.
The Saints put on a terrific performance at St. Mary’s, but were punished for their lack of conviction in the final third.
They got off to the dream start, as Charlie Austin lifted the ball over Petr Cech from close range in the opening minutes.
Austin then went clear through on goal just moments later, this time firing his shot straight at the Arsenal keeper.
Ryan Bertrand then squandered a superb chance in the second half as he raced clear on goal and dinked his shot wide of the post.
Olivier Giroud came off the bench for Arsenal and rescued a point as he headed home in the last ten minutes.
Picking a man of the match for Southampton has been difficult, with a few players in contention.
Pierre Hojbjerg, Charlie Austin, Virgil Van Dijk and Fraser Forster all performed admirably.
However, our Southampton man of the match is… Jack Stephens!
It was his first senior appearance for the club since August, yet he certainly did not look out of place.
He defended exceptionally well throughout the game and kept hold of the ball in good areas whilst under pressure at the back.
Stephens dealt with the threat of Sanchez with ease and looked at home in a back three.
The defender will hope his performances brings more starts in the coming weeks and months.
