A double from Danny Welbeck along with a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal led Arsenal to three points against Southampton.
Arsenal came back from a goal behind to beat Mark Hughes’s Southampton side 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners were off to a disastrous start with Shane Long handing the visitors the lead in the 17th minute, but January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled them back on level terms with a deft finish in the 28th minute. Ten minutes later, Arsenal were in the lead, courtesy of a Danny Welbeck strike which ended in the back of the net via a deflection from a Southampton player.
However, substitute Charlie Austin brought the Saints back into the game scoring with his first touch after coming on to make it 2-2. They weren’t level for long though as Welbeck headed in his second goal of the day in the 81st minute to clinch the game for his team.
The result meant Arsene Wenger’s men reduced the difference between themselves and Chelsea to three points, with the Blues scheduled to play later in the day. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Arsenal stars on the day against the Saints.
Petr Cech: 6.5/10
The veteran was involved in a mix-up with Shkodran Mustafi in the lead up to Southampton’s opening goal but apart from that he was solid between the sticks. Made several decent stops throughout the match and was alert when he needed to be.
Hector Bellerin: 6/10
The Spaniard wasn’t tested a great deal defensively by the Saints which allowed him to get forward regularly. Sent in a couple of decent crosses but should have been more effective. Booked. Subbed off in the second period for Rob Holding.
Shkodran Mustafi: 4.5/10
The German international was largely at fault for Long’s opener as he switched off completely, allowing the diminutive Irishman to ghost past him and prod home. Continued to look shaky and unconvincing throughout the game.
Calum Chambers: 5/10
Handed a start in place of captain Laurent Koscielny, against his former club, Chambers failed to make the most of his opportunity. Alongside Mustafi, he too looked suspect and was culpable for the visitors’ second goal when he was beaten easily by Tadic.
Sead Kolasinac: 5.5/10
The Bosnian full-back hardly offered anything going forward down the left-flank and was caught defensively at times as well. Did show heart and determination in some moments where he wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line but it was an uninspiring display overall.
Mohamed Elneny: 6.5/10
The Egyptian international did his job efficiently in the middle of the park without standing out particularly. Shielded the ball well and kept it moving without much troubles. A neat and tidy display from him until he was sent off late in the game, slightly harshly.
Granit Xhaka: 7/10
The Switzerland international seems to be going through a good patch of form of late and was once again fairly impressive for the Gunners. Did his job well in front of the back four, there were very few mistakes from him. Had a shot saved.
Reiss Nelson: 6/10
It was a big occasion for the academy product, starting his first Premier League game and he gave a decent account of himself on his full debut. Showed glimpses of his ability with some neat touches and passes but could not make a great deal of impact, before being subbed off.
Alex Iwobi: 8/10
The Nigerian’s best performance for the Gunners in a long while. Started off a little nervily but soon found his feet and got the assist for the second goal, before playing in a beautiful cross to set Welbeck up for the winner late in the game. Will do his confidence a world of good.
Danny Welbeck: 8/10
The England international too was in his elements on Sunday. Got the assist for the opening goal with neat link-up play with Aubameyang before putting his team in the lead with a deflected effort. Missed a sitter with the score at 2-2, but made amends by heading home soon after to seal the game. Worked very hard off the ball and tracked back well.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7/10
Brought Arsenal back into the game in the first period with a cheeky finish to slot past Alex McCarthy into the Saints’ goal. Buzzed around and linked up well with his fellow attackers but did not make any further inroads before being replaced by Alexandre Lacazette.
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere: 5/10
Replaced Nelson in the 64th minute. Involved in a brawl with Jack Stephens that saw the Saints’ defender being sent off, while Wilshere got away with a yellow card.
Alexandre Lacazette: 5/10
On for Aubameyang for the last twenty minutes. Never really got into the game.
Rob Holding: 6/10
Came on to replace Bellerin in the 74th minute. Started sloppily but made a few important clearances towards the end of the game.
