Arsenal vs Southampton | 2022/23 PL | Three Crucial Things Learnt

We learnt three things as Arsenal suffered a major setback in their Premier League title charge after being held to a 3-3 draw by Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. It’s the third draw for the North London side in as many games.

Arsenal, Southampton — Image Obtained via Saints Marching

Southampton went 2-0 ahead with two quick first-half goals from Carlos Alcaraz and former Gunner Theo Walcott, but Gabriel Martinelli’s strike just six minutes later calmed the nerves and gave Arsenal hope of a comeback.

🤝 2-2 vs Liverpool
🤝 2-2 vs West Ham
🤝 3-3 vs Southampton

Have Arsenal blown their title chances? 😬 pic.twitter.com/R0iADnVOwM

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 21, 2023

Despite Duje Caleta-Car adding another goal for the Saints, the Gunners staged a late comeback, with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka scoring in the final moments to salvage a draw. Nonetheless, Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title are in great jeopardy, as they must win their upcoming match against Manchester City at the Etihad.

1. Saliba Is A Huge Miss In Defence And Ramsdale’s Ball Distribution Exposed

Just 27 seconds into the match, Aaron Ramsdale’s attempted pass to his centre-back failed, allowing Carlos Alcaraz to intercept and score past the Arsenal goalkeeper. Despite this error, the Englishman has had an impressive season as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper played a vital role in securing a 2-2 draw against Liverpool with a series of outstanding saves. However, the blunder against the Saints was damaging and he apologised to the fans for his mistake.

William Saliba has been in the news recently, with much speculation about his injury and when he will return to help the Gunners finish the season strongly. Prior to his injury, he was praised for his excellent performances on the pitch, and there was much discussion about his future with the club.

2. Odegaard Proved His Captaincy Credentials

In the dying moments of the game, Martin Odegaard appeared visibly frustrated when his teammate Thomas Partey took a wavered shot from 30 yards out that sailed into the crowd. Despite his quiet and understated demeanour, the Norwegian has proven to be an outstanding leader in the dressing room, which has helped take Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the table this season.

Although many were surprised when Odegaard was named captain, he has shown the necessary qualities that Arteta was looking for in a leader. The attacking midfielder demonstrated his leadership by not celebrating his goal but asking the team to get back to the centre line when they were still one goal down. The manager will undoubtedly be pleased with Odegaard’s ability to lead by example and push the team when they are down.

3. Saka Redeems Himself After Last Week’s Penalty Miss

Despite Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s impressive performances, Arsenal could only manage a 3-3 draw with bottom-of-the-table Southampton. The Gunners found themselves in a difficult situation after conceding two early goals, but they managed to pull one back thanks to Martinelli, who was set up by Saka.

Bukayo Saka's game by numbers vs Southampton:

65 touches
9 duels won
5 chances created
5 fouls won
3 tackles made
1 assist
1 goal
0.33 xG

A crucial goal at the death. 🌶 pic.twitter.com/8nTykMBjrg

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) April 21, 2023

The young duo’s goals and assists helped them become the first pair of teammates under 21 to register 20 goal contributions each in one season since Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Martinelli has 15 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League this season, while Saka has 13 goals and 11 assists.

Although Arsenal mounted a stirring late comeback, they had to settle for their worst result of the season, a 3-3 draw against rock-bottom Southampton. On the other hand, the Saints came agonizingly close to securing one of their best results of the season. The North London side had their sights set on victory but ended up making the match more complicated than necessary, resulting in their third consecutive Premier League draw.

At the final whistle, both teams were left unsure of how to react. Southampton will look to build on their strong performance in order to mount a great escape from relegation, while the Gunners will need to regroup and find new energy as they prepare to face Manchester City next week.

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