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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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Forwards

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Dusan Tadic scores Southampton’s goal from a free kick past Petr Cech of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Dusan Tadic scores Southampton’s goal from a free kick past Petr Cech of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

Southampton’s front three men put together their most complete performance of the season so far, with Puel opting to start Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic alongside last week’s hero Jay Rodriguez. Tadic got on the board (or would have, if not for Petr Cech’s fingertips) off a free-kick to put Southampton up 1-0.

Fun fact: that was Southampton’s first lead all season. Other fun fact: apparently you can get an assist off an own-goal. Good to know there’s at least some cosmic justice.

Redmond had an alright game but seemed to lose possession more than the last few outings. Here’s hoping it was a one-time case of the drops.

Related Story: Graded: Southampton Transfer Window, Summer '16

Jay Rodriguez going off at halftime was puzzling, to say the least, given that he was putting good work in. One imagines Puel is trying to save him for Thursday against Sparta Praha, but if the gaffer’s said anything on that I haven’t heard it.

Which brings me to Shane Long. I want to like Long. He’s got pace to put Jamie Vardy to shame, unfortunately it seems increasingly like that’s all he’s got. Three chances, three golden opportunities with Petr Cech dead-to-rights, and all botched. With the benefit of hindsight, keep J-Rod on a bit longer and bring Charlie Austin on to replace him when the time is right.

Maybe Puel will make Forster and Long train exclusively together this week. Either one learns to stop close-in shots, or the other learns to finish them. Either way, win-win.

Next: Looking Ahead: Europa League

Standout: Dusan Tadic

I’ve given our Serbian striker a lot of stick these past few weeks, but I can give credit where it’s due. Petr Cech’s fingertips be damned, that goal was entirely on him. Good work, and hopefully the first of many.

Snoozer: Shane Long

See above.

Grade: 6.5/10