Southampton 3-2 Arsenal: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
The New System Holds Promise as Hard Graft Wins the Day
Going into the contest with the 22 game unbeaten Arsenal, Saints fans will have been hoping for a performance with hard work, and effort, just to survive the 90 minutes against the Gunners. It’s safe to say, the faithful receive that and so much more besides.
To a man, the Southampton side were willing to, press Arsenal into mistakes, stay focused to make the match defining plays, and show the mental fortitude to bounce back three times.
Even with just under two weeks on the training pitch Ralph Hasenhüttl and his system is already paying dividends. His side played with a high-intensity and sort to selectively press, Unai Emery’s men as the opportunity arose. Saints utilized their limited pace well, through Nathan Redmond, fort for and then effectively used limited possession, whilst proving uncharacteristically clinical in front of goal.
One result does not make for the finished article and there are still plenty of lapses to be ironed out. The road ahead is still likely to be arduous. It is Saints after all.
Nevertheless, the back line deserves plenty of praise, for holding the London outfit at bay, executing the basics well, and holding their nerve in the final moments.
The defenders certainly rode their luck at times, but the likes of Jan Bednarek came up with match changing challenges to avert certain goals. The Polish international wasn’t the only strong player at the back, but he was a definite standout during key moments of the match.