Saints Marching
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Southampton 1-1 Arsenal: Player ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates scoring the first Southampton goal with Nathan Redmond of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on December 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates scoring the first Southampton goal with Nathan Redmond of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on December 9, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Charlie Austin of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Charlie Austin of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Southampton came away with a point after Arsenal equalized in the 88th minute through super-sub Olivier Giroud.

St. Mary’s continues to be a tough test for Arsenal since Southampton’s promotion in 2012-13.  The 1-1 draw today keeps the series even. Each club still with two wins, in seven league and cup meetings on the south coast.

Charlie Austin continued his goal-scoring form and gave the Saints an early lead in the third minute.  However, he missed a golden opportunity shortly after to double his tally.

The first half saw both teams with good chances to go forward. Arsenal’s best shot coming from an Aaron Ramsey first-time strike that Fraser Forster did extremely well to keep out.

After halftime, it was Arsenal dominating possession as they typically do. Southampton appeared happy to sit back, and attempt to strike on the counter, but made little impact in a game that could have been won.

Defending so deep for 45 minutes proved too difficult, as Giroud jumped between two Southampton centre-backs to head home his goal – a site Arsenal fans are used to seeing. It was another positive performance for the Saints, but one could argue it was two points lost.

A quick turn around will see the in-form, Claude Puel lead Leicester City visit on Wednesday night.  However, you have to like Southampton’s chances as the player ratings continue to show an increasingly confident team.