Report: Southampton 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal’s winning streak came to an end through an uninspired show at Southampton as the saints saw off a spiritless attacking effort from the Gunners in a 1-1 draw.
Indeed, the context of tonight’s match was more of two teams cancelling out each other for a draw rather than Southampton hanging on against Wenger’s men. Such was the open fashion in which Tuesday’s match was contested that it was the home side who took the lead through a Ramriez strike and could have had sights on a triumph if not for a fortuitous equalizer from Arsenal after Walcott’s free-kick was deflected home.
On the back of four wins in a row and that festive goal spree against Newcastle, Arsene Wenger could hardly change anything about his side and so the same line-up that started Saturday’s match was chosen today.
For the opening 10 minutes, Wenger’s men had the lion’s share of possession as Southampton’s goalkeeper went through a very nervy spell, spilling routine catches.
A clear-cut chance in front of goal was still scarce for the Gunners and so the saints grew into the game with the score still 0-0. And by the half-hour mark, both sides were exchanging punches at both ends. Someone had to take the lead at this point and it was the hosts who did. But only through a gift from Arsenal.
Podolski lost possession in danger zone, Sagna provided a woeful clearance and the ball fell back to Ramirez who thumped it past Szczesny. But if Arsenal had helped Southampton score there, then Adkins’ men returned the favour only seven minutes later as Theo Walcott’s ambitious free-kick was guided home by Guly do Prado on the stroke on half-time in the 41st minute.
The second-half featured a brighter Southampton challenge as the home crowd encouraged their players to chase a lifting win. On the back of Southampton’s attempts, Arsenal carved out half-chances and indeed, none of them paid off as Podolski was withdrawn for Giroud after just 58 minutes.
The Frenchman imposed himself on the hosts’ defence but once Santi Cazorla was also substituted for Aaron Ramsey, you sensed that the Gunners were running out of ideas. Gervinho, on for Oxlade-Chamberlain, did little to contribute, only going close with an indifferent effort which brushed the side-netting.
But apart from those scraps in front of goal, there were few highlights from this one. It was that sort of night. A flat one.
Predictably unpredictable
Things better happen in the window or else..
January 1, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Or else what jay? You’ll go home and tell your mommy that Arsenal won’t come out and play? You’ll throw yourself out of the pram and under a parked bus? Get real, empty threats are a dime a dozen with you fickle plastic fanboys and nobody pays any attention!
January 2, 2013 at 12:49 am
wow ..
I meant or else our season will be even more fucked up than it already is
Take a chill pill boy
January 2, 2013 at 11:06 am
My god, geovinho is shit
January 1, 2013 at 2:37 pm
My god, we knew that. So then what was Rosicky doing on the bench behind Ramsey and Gervinho.
January 1, 2013 at 2:38 pm
and wtf was up with sagna today???
January 1, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Oh well — miserable start to the New Year and it wasn’t even raining!!
January 1, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Wengers subs were poor….honestly Giroud, Ramsay and Gevrinho would walk into a worst ever Arsenal side since Wengers tenure….obviously excluding the players who were never first choice…..(stepanovs etc)….I just cant believe he uses them so much.
Giroud cant hold up the ball, cant pass, has an awful first touch, just thankfully for him he is probably the best striker in the league at heading.
Id have Wright, Silvestre, Cygan, Squillaci, Senderos, Pennant, Ramsay, Reyes, Gervinho, Jeffers, Giroud
January 1, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Then thank God you aren’t in any position to influence any of what Arsenal do jayjay as you couldn’t find your ass with both hands and a guide dog’s help, nevermind manage a professional Football Club.
January 2, 2013 at 12:51 am
Wenger has found himself younger Glenn Helder.
January 1, 2013 at 2:50 pm
I am a manchesyer united fan but christ, thhis is not arsenal quality. Didnt know rosicky was on the bench, had to come in instead of ramsey who is vry slow. Why take out podolski when you need a goal. Would have played two upfront, him and giroud, gervs on one wing and theo the other with carzola and arteta. But hope good things happen in future but christ that was awful
January 1, 2013 at 3:36 pm