Southampton suffered another setback in the Premier League with the Saints falling to a 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal last night as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could not emulate their weekend FA Cup win against the Gunners.
The Saints were aiming to take their cup form into the Premier League and get back to winning ways in the top flight to revive their push for the European places. However, this result means that they have now managed to win only one of their last seven league matches, a run which has curtailed their excellent start to the season which even saw them top the table at one point.
Hasenhuttl’s side have not been helped by a host of injuries to key players in their squad, and their preparation for this game was hit by another setback, this time to the influential Kyle Walker-Peters. Ryan Bertrand’s suspension meant that the Saints were without both of their first-choice full-backs.
The lack of cohesion between the makeshift defence was evident at times as Arsenal carved Southampton open a little too easily for their three goals. It was perhaps to be anticipated that, with the inexperienced pair of Jake Vokins and Yan Valery in the full-back roles, the Saints might have struggled to be as solid as they have been at times this season.
There were some moments of promise which the Saints can take from the game, and Southampton did force Arsenal onto the back foot at times in the second half before the visitors got the all-important third goal. There is no need for panic and, when players return to fitness, Hasenhuttl’s side should soon be able to address their waning league form.
Here is how we rated the performances of Southampton’s players following the defeat against the Gunners…
