Groundhog day indeed – Arsenal have won just a point against the Saints at home, dropping us down to our dear fourth place.
Just like many times before, Arsenal didn’t bother to show up in first half, but played pretty good in second, which wasn’t enough, thanks to, again, the opposition goalkeeper. Forster made a stunning seven saves and I can’t help but think that on anther night we’d win this 4-0, just like they did on Boxing day.
Petr Cech – 6
Cech did all that was needed. Southampton had a few shots, mostly in the first half, and Cech was there. He even provided a great throw for Alexis, which lead to nothing eventually. He wasn’t as busy in second half. Kept a clean sheet once again.
Nacho Monreal – 6
Nacho, Nacho. Much like Cech, he did what was asked of him, although there wasn’t much happening on his side. Could have used more of his crosses.
Gabriel – 5.5
Our Brazilian wasn’t as calm as we wanted him to be. He had a few risky passes and was too slow compared to Southampton’s strikers a few times – without any consequences, mind, but should have done better. Punished with yellow card for a foul that was maybe unnecessary – Southampton’s player probably wouldn’t get the ball.
Laurent Koscielny – 6.5
After a few not so good performances, Koscielny was looking much better today. Sliding in fairly, clearing the ball and generally being where the ball and opposition strikers have been. He almost scored from a header as well.
Hector Bellerin – 5.5
Bellerin looked a bit off tonight, at least in defense. He was good up front, joining in attacks as he always does, which meant he wasn’t back to defense as fast as he should have been despite his speed. Mane got away too often.
Mathieu Flamini – 5
Think we all can’t wait to see him back on the bench. I expected Coquelin in the first team as soon as he was healthy, but oh well! Flamini was once again losing possession too easily and forgetting his role, which then forced other players to cover for him. At least he didn’t mysteriously show up in penalty area and try to score this time.
Aaron Ramsey – 5.5
In Arsenal’s non-existent midfield, Ramsey really suffers. He has a lot to offer, and he has to cover for Flamini too often. He was once again a part of our attack, but that’s all, he didn’t do much more. He helped create a few chances.
Mesut Özil – 7.5
Mesut created 10 chances tonight. 10. And none of them were a goal. He was once again our main player, showing so much passion and even found himself with chances a few times. Maybe he could have reacted better in few of those chances – that’s why my rating isn’t higher. We once again find ourselves imagining what it would be like if our players used only half of the chances Mesut creates.
Joel Campbell – 6
Campbell has had one more decent performance – too many decent ones coming from him though. Yes, he’s playing well, he’s helping create chances and has a shot or two on goal even though he rarely gets 90 minutes. He should do a bit more.
Alexis Sanchez – 6.5
Oh it’s good to have Alexis back! Along with Mesut, Alexis was our most dangerous player. He was just being Alexis, running around, winning fouls, and shooting. He even managed to get three (or four?) headers from corners and crosses, even though he’s so short. You can’t help but admire his determination.
Olivier Giroud – 6
I’m not sure how many of those 10 chances created by Mesut came down to Giroud, but I know none went in, which is his main task. Yes, he’s there, he has chances, he is really good for the team but how was he not on that amazing ball from Mesut to the middle of their penalty area?! He made an effort, and had a few really good chances, but no goal again, and more frustrated gooners in the end.
SUBS
Theo Walcott – 5.5
Theo was given 30 minutes which is a decent amount of time for a striker, especially with how much we were attacking in second half. He almost scored not long after he came on but (ugh) Forester saved his shot, twice, in two seconds. That was it from him.
Francis Coquelin – 5
Came on, got a yellow, and that’s about it. Maybe he was as confused with the sub as much as we all were.
