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Making the Grade: Match Day 4, Arsenal vs. Southampton

By Aaron Preston

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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Midfield

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal (L) and Steven Davis of Southampton (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal (L) and Steven Davis of Southampton (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

My biggest fear for Southampton this week was that the midfield would get bossed. Arsenal’s midfield is big, physical and dominating and ours, well…isn’t. With the exception of Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, the Saints aren’t exactly known for their hulking mids.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

The midfield drifted between the 4-4-2 diamond and a 4-3-1-2 to compensate for Arsenal’s attacking prowess and wing-mids Steven Davis and Jordy Clasie did well in the role, sealing out and getting the ball forward.

Related Story: Preview: Arsenal vs. Southampton

When Clasie went off with injury, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg stepped up and put a bit of attacking pep into the midfield without compromising on defence.

Most pleasantly surprising was Oriol Romeu. Thus far this season, the word “anonymous” has been much-used to describe his play, but this week I felt he really stepped up and got involved where it counted. He may not be a Wanyama redux but he’s growing into the role nicely.

Standout: Steven Davis

Davis doesn’t get much love compared to his counterparts in midfield (or much stick either, for that matter) but Southampton’s 31 year old vet put in good work this time out. There’s a lot to be said for sealing off Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain like it’s just another day on the training ground.

Snoozer: Jordy Clasie

Maybe it’s a bit harsh, but I have to pick someone. Aside from going off injured I can’t think of anything Clasie did of note this time out. Not a horrible thing, but not a great one either.

Grade: 7/10