Arsenal made heavy work of their win over Southampton but with Chelsea’s draw against West Ham, the Gunners are now closing in on fifth place.
If Arsenal hoped a winning run would bring the fans back to Ashburton Grove, they have seriously underestimated the depth of apathy around as thousands of empty seats once again greeted the team.
It was the topic of a sarcastic soliloquy from the Sky Sports commentator who implored people to feel sorry for this top six side on the brink of a European final. He had a point, but so do rocks sometimes.
The game was the perfect opportunity for fringe players to show that, not only do they have a future at the club ahead of the summer, they deserve to be considered for the first team for the important games.
So how did the players do individually?
4Subs
Jack Wilshere 3
Replaced Nelson after 64 minutes and struggled.
Was culpable in the build-up to Southampton’s second as he let Cedric waltz past him and he ran about like a headless chicken.
His overhead volley would have been assist of the century had anyone but Welbeck been on the end of it. Had the chance to assist Arsenal’s fourth but messed up the pass before taking out his frustration on Jack Stephens’ shirt, prompting the Saints man to see red.
If Wilshere’s idea of trying to prove he’s worth £110kpw by coming on as a sub, messing up all the football, starting a fight and getting Elneny so wound up he ends up getting sent off, then he’s doing a brilliant job.
Alexandre Lacazette 5
Came on after 71 minutes to replace Aubameyang and get a bit more match fitness before the second leg against CSKA on Thursday.
That’s about all he did.
Rob Holding 6
Replaced Hector Bellerin and made a crucial block towards the end of the game as Southampton looked for an equaliser.
Went to centreback, moving Chambers out to right-back where he’s better, leaving Arsenal fans everywhere asking why this wasn’t the lineup that started, thus resting Bellerin for Thursday.
Referee
Andre Marriner let Dusan Tadic away with not one but two, studs-up tackles – one on Reiss Nelson, the other on Alex Iwobi. He only gave a freekick for the first one.
I’d like to think that the FA would revisit this on Monday but without a media uproar, there is little chance of the FA caring. I’ve checked all the main papers this morning Not only is their no outrage, there is no mention of either tackle in any match reports (more on that later).
In general, he fulfilled the incompetence levels required in the Premier League.