Arsenal get their revenge as they move up to eighth
Arsenal has got their revenge after their FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton as they recorded a 3-1 win to jump to eighth in the table. Goals from Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, and Alexandre Lacazette sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
David Luiz returned to partner Rob Holding in the centre of defense with Thomas Partey and Pepe starting along with Alexandre Lacazette leading the line.
It did not take long for the first chance on goal. Within a minute, Granit Xhaka picked up the ball after a giveaway from Jan Bednarek and the Swiss international played Lacazette through however the Frenchman’s shot was well saved.
That would come back to bite Arsenal as just minutes later, Southampton had the lead. James Ward-Prowse took a corner kick and fizzed it to Stuart Armstrong on the edge of the box and the Scottish midfielder hammered home his shot past Bernd Leno.
However, Southampton’s lead only lasted five minutes. Thomas Partey won the ball back for his side and played in Xhaka who slid a gorgeous ball in for Nicolas Pepe and the Ivorian took a touch and lashed home his shot into the far corner to bring his side level.
NICOOOOOO!#SOUARS 🔴 1-1 🔵 (8) pic.twitter.com/T9bWmDiswm
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 26, 2021
It was a hugely entertaining match with both sides creating chances. Cedric, Danny Ings, and Che Adams all had chances however could not convert.
The Saints grew into the match in the latter stages of the half, but they were caught napping from a goal kick. Bernd Leno sent the ball downfield with the ball dropping to Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder played in Lacazette who then played the ball first time to Bukayo Saka. The young Englishman rounded Alex McCarthy in the Saints goal and rolled home to give the visitors the lead with just six minutes remaining in the half.
YES BUKAYO!#SOUARS 🔴 1-2 🔵 (39) pic.twitter.com/3PPCV1OMur
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 26, 2021
The Gunners were able to get to halftime with their lead intact and showed great spirit and determination to be able to take the lead after going behind so early.
The second half started the same way the first, with entertaining football from both sides and Southampton on the front foot looking for an equalizer. Theo Walcott had a glorious chance just four minutes in as he picked the ball up and drove at the Arsenal box. However, the former Gunner hit his shot straight at Leno.
There was not much goalmouth action as Arsenal seemed ok to sit back and soak up the pressure from Southampton. Emile Smith Rowe was taken off after cramping up and was replaced by Willian with 20 minutes remaining.
Just after the substitution, Arsenal had their third. Cedric hit a wonderful cross-field ball to pick out Saka who took the ball first time and slid in a glorious ball across goal for Lacazette who followed in at the back post for an easy tap-in as Arsenal took control of the match. Thomas Partey was taken off as it appeared he was suffering from cramps and Mikel Arteta was taking no chances with the game now in hand.
The Saints had more possession in the half as they looked to get back in the game. James Ward-Prowse had the chance from a free-kick right on the edge of the box. The Englishman forced a good save from Bernd Leno and that is as close as Southampton got as Arsenal were able to see out the match and now move up to eighth in the league standings.
Marching on in the @premierleague! ✊#SOUARS 🔴 1-3 🔵 (FT)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 26, 2021
Up next for the Gunners is a home match against rivals Manchester United.
