Southampton’s first trip to the Emirates Stadium this year resulted in a heartbreaking—and controversial—2-1 loss. Let’s hand out some grades.
This week’s match will no doubt be an especially bitter pill to swallow for supporters. Though far from perfect, this week’s clash was one of the most complete performances turned in all year.
The end result, though, was frustratingly familiar: a late penalty and a disappointing non-result. The final minutes of the match—an uncalled foul on Shane Long, play continuing during a Laurent Koscielny injury, and a questionable penalty—have already generated their share of press and drama.
But now the dust is settled and the match in the books. And as fans, it is our duty to faithfully armchair-analyse as we count down to next week. Let’s get to it!
Keepers
Fraser Forster got another workout at the hands of North London’s finest this weekend, with 17 shots coming his way. Of those, though, only two hit the target. Looking at the scoreline, we don’t need to tell you what became of those two.
I’m not going to say penalty saves are the easiest thing in the world, but its apparent that PKs are the big man’s Achilles heel. Maybe something to work on in training, along with watching some footage of PK takers from upcoming opponents.
I hate to slate Southampton’s #1 but 0-for-2 on shots-on-target isn’t a pretty picture for a keeper who could’ve played for England this week. Poor day at the office for the man between the sticks.