Cue the skeptics who have been waiting to pounce on Arsene Wenger & co.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning their first Premier League title in eight years were dented when they failed to record three points against Southampton at St Mary’s. The home side dominated the first half, scoring once through Jose Fonte’s headed effort. However good Southampton was, Arsenal were poor. The London side gave the ball away on countless occasions and their defence, which has been one of the best in Europe this season, looked shaky at times.
Arsenal came out fighting in the second half, showing the spirit that has kept them at the top of the league. Goals from Giroud and Cazorla in quick succession meant things were looking up for the visiting side, but Lallana equalised just two minutes after the Gunners took the lead, taking the sting out of Arsenal’s fightback. The away team were not at their best for the rest of the second half and were lucky not to have lost the match after numerous Saints chances to score and a red card being shown to Mathieu Flamini after a wreckless two-footed tackle.
Despite the dropping of points, Arsene Wenger seemed positive after the match.
“We played in second gear and Southampton in fourth. They played at a higher pace than us, decided to stop us from playing and did it very well,” Wenger said. “You want the three points in every game but it is a difficult place Southampton. When you look at the overall record it can happen sometimes away from home you take only one point.”
Mauricio Pochettino was understandably unhappy that his team couldn’t get all three points.
“I thought the team was outstanding. We were sensational in the first half and did really well,” said the Saints boss. “It was total football. In the second half we didn’t start so well and conceded two quick goals. I would highlight fact we were able to get back into it – we showed amazing character and we deserved to win in the end.”
Nobody was expecting Arsenal to finish the season without any poor performances, but the draw to Southampton on Tuesday night has come at a bad time. February and March will see the London club face Liverpool (2), Bayern Munich (2), Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Wenger’s side, who are not favourites to win the league this year, need good form and confidence if they are going to be successful in this crucial fixture list.
Arsenal’s next game before playing Liverpool away is at home to Crystal Palace, who are finding some decent form under Tony Pulis; an old rival of Arsene Wenger. The game against Place is desperately important for the Gunners. Anything less that a victory would leave Arsenal going into their game against red-hot Liverpool with their heads down and trailing City and Chelsea in the league. However, a win could keep Arsenal in touching distance at least with Manchester City, and they would head into the ominous looking months of February and March fresh from a victory.
