Arsenal vs Southampton | 4 Important Lessons Learned From the Game

Arsenal registered an emphatic 3-0 win against Southampton on a rainy weekend at the Emirates. Goals from Lacazette, Odegaard, and Gabriel gave Arsenal all three points and put them in a position to challenge for top 4 finish again. Arteta must have seen the ratings for the players in the game, as he was perfect with the substitutions. Let’s quickly go through 4 important lessons we learned from the Arsenal vs Southampton game.

Arsenal vs Southampton, Lessons for Arsenal — Image obtained via standard.co.uk

Four Lessons We Learned From The Arsenal vs Southampton Game

When a team wins with a 3-0 margin and had 3 more possible chances at goal – only to be denied by goal post and offside, we will have possibly N number of things to discuss. But we are true Gunners fans and will talk about positives but concerning points also.

“Home Sweet Home” For The Gunners

Arsenal have found some good form at home. If only home fixtures are considered, then Arsenal will be 2nd in the Premier League, picking the league-high 19 points. Only Manchester City have a better record, that too on goal difference. Arsenal’s last home defeat was against Chelsea at the start of the season.

Arsenal, Arsenal vs Southampton, Lessons for Arsenal — Image obtained via The Athletic

Arsenal strikers also look comfortable at home scoring 71% of their goals at the Emirates. Similarly, though the sample data in hand is moderate, 75% of Arsenal’s wins are at home. The Gunners faithful will certainly be pleased with the performances and hoping to keep the home record intact.

Contagious Ramsdale and Tomiyasu

Many people have criticized Arsenal for their summer signings, particularly Ramsdale and Tomiyasu. Just after the signings, football pundits even wrote off Arsenal from a top 4 finish. And now, Ramsdale is proving to be the star performer for the Gunners. Only Ederson (Man City) and Allison (Liverpool) have more clean sheets than the English shot-topper.

These two have not only impacted the performances on the field, but they have also uplifted the mentality of the team. If we look at Arsenal’s last season’s performances and this season’s, we will see the difference in team attitude and mentality.

Aaron Ramsdale’s knee slide to celebrate Arsenal’s opening goal against Southampton. 😂❤️ #afc pic.twitter.com/kVcH0ic3kV

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 11, 2021

These players have proved themselves and encouraged their teammates with their tireless efforts on the field. Ramsdale’s celebration after Lacazette’s goal says it all. The enthusiasm, togetherness, and consistency in Arsenal plays have improved, thanks to the new signings.

Saka, Odegaard, And Martinelli Are An Attacking Trio For Arsenal

The young Gunners are creating goal-scoring opportunities in every game. Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli seem hungry for goals and their performances are huge morale boosters for the team. The inclusion of Smith Rowe to the mix presents a mouth-watering attacking force for Arsenal.

Team chemistry and understanding were much better in the game, reminding the supporters of the glory days and if this continues, the Gunners are bound to finish in one of the Champions League spots. Yes, the young players still need polishing, but they have shown their capability and with experience, they can perform even against tough opponents

Some Areas Still Need More Improvement

Though the Arsenal vs Southampton game was mostly a one-sided affair after the 2nd goal, the North London club need to improve in some key areas such as the striker position. No doubt, the goal by Lacazette was wonderful, but it was more of a well-built goal than a striker’s individualistic play.

If Laca could have finished the second opportunity presented to him by Odegaard, it could have been more exciting, but he took too many touches and looked to pass the ball instead of taking the shot at goal himself.

Secondly, Partey’s performance might still be a worrying sign for the Gunners. They need to look for a new midfielder who can torment the opposition. Sticking to the “Partey and Xhaka” combination works well against minnows, but such an experienced pair should have been more authoritative in midfield.

Hope the Gunners can build on this victory and make the necessary changes to improve their performances. What do you think of the Gunners’ performance on Saturday?

Follow AD for the latest Matchday updates on Arsenal.