Southampton 3-2 Arsenal: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways
By Joe Mcindoe
Saints Goals Show Real Quality
The Premier League table may have had SFC a full 25 points off the visitors before the start of play, but with every goal Ralph’s charges displayed the quality befitting a side in the top flight.
All three goals occurred in rather similar fashion. Pinpoint crosses met with deft headed touches straight past the helpless keeper.
Deputizing for the injured Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett delivered a delicious ball into the box. The cross found a poised Danny Ing’s, who had split two defenders and had no problem gobbling up the opportunity.
The Saints second goal showed a strong team ethic, with patient but progressive passing. Arsenal gave up far too much space and time for their opposite numbers, allowing Ing’s, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Redmond to cut through the midfield.
As the ball arrives at the number 22’s feet, he has all the space he needs to run toward the box before picking out a smart cross to the enterprising number nine.
After again finding the gaping gap between two defenders the English striker completes his task with a deceptive header past Bernd Leno.
Southampton’s total football not yet complete, they then round the afternoon off, courtesy of a Long Austin combination. The Irishman supplied the cross and a like a bureau de change Austin converted.
Coming off the bench to replace Redmond, the number seven took up the mantle well and will hopefully find a home in that position before too long.
All three efforts showcased great chemistry between the team. The strikers found their spot and then waited expectantly as their colleagues deliver the perfect ball.
What’s more the players performance made it obvious that the moves were more by judgment than luck.
Looking back at the highlights for both chances in Danny Ings’ brace, you can clearly see the striker raise his hand before receiving the critical ball at the apex of the moves. This is unlikely to be the first time that two players have successfully been on the same wavelength this season, but it is nice to appreciate that good communication has led to two top class finishes.
According to BBC statistics, the team managed just four on target, but if you convert three of them that usually proves enough to win you a game. This match day has certainly shown that the South coast side are capable of being clinical, only time will tell if they can learn consistency.