Arsenal 1 Southampton 2 Match Report

Arsenal 1 Southampton 2 : Match Report

Arsenal 

Ospina Chambers Coquelin Hayden Bellerin Sanchez Rosicky Wilshere Abou Diaby Campbell Podolski

Southampton

Forster Fonte Targett Clyne Gardos Davis Schneiderlin Wanyama Mane Pelle Tadic

Match Report

Arsene Wenger didn't look too concerned with the size of the competition as he started a young side, to face fellow premier league side Southampton at  the Emirates stadium. But Ronald Koeman didn't want any stones to be left unturned he put up an aggressive starting eleven, consisting of regulars Foster, Clyne, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Pelle and Tadic. Evidently the Southampton manager wanted it more and got rewarded.

As the Colombian keeper was handed his debut, Wenger gave starts to youngsters Chambers Hayden and Bellerin in defence. Abou Diaby played his first game in 18 months for Arsenal and as he started along side club prodigy Wilshere. Southampton looked the stronger side on paper and they actually were the stronger side of the two as the South coast team dominated the Londoners. Tomas Rosicky and Podolski alongside Campbell had the attacking onus on them. All new signings - whilst Mane Pelle and Tadic making the front three for the Saints.

Arsenal took the lead through a brilliant Alexis Sanchez free kick. The Chileans free kick curled and landed in the top corner of the net, with the goalkeeper having no chance of saving it. Southampton's Pelle was proving a tough customer for the Arsenal, as the gunners where experiencing the famous football saying "The more you attack, the more vulnerable you are". Just minutes after taking the lead, as Mane was brought down in the box by Rosicky. Tadic stepped up to take the penalty and he struck it low past Ospina. Arsenal had lots of possession but couldn't create much since the free kick which they managed to score. 

The Saints on the other hand their away support in full voice they enjoyed their 40 pound match day tickets. Southampton where the better side with the attacking trio giving all the trouble, Tadic in particular. 39 minutes on the clock, Saints won a corner. The corner was cleared, but it fell to full back Clyne and he smashed a 35 yard pile driver that crashed in off the bar, no one closed down the shot. Southampton fans looked jubilant and why not.

The first half came to an end with the Saints leading. Second half started on a dull note with none of the managers opting for changes, as it kicked off. With Arsenal chasing the game and Saints looking to keep their lead, Gardos and Fonte looked unchallenged till and comfortable. First significant and noticeable thing where the substitutions as Santi Cazorla came on for Diaby and Ox coming on for the Costa Rican Joel Campbell. Saints answered with subs of their own with Shane Long on for Mane. The game was dominated by Southampton as they looked to put the game to bed. As time went on neither side showed any intent and the match was settled as the away side won 1-2 at the Emirates.

MOTM: Tadic