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Southampton vs. Arsenal: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Arsenal's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin foouls Southampton's Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 26, 2021. (Photo by Naomi Baker / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin foouls Southampton's Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 26, 2021. (Photo by Naomi Baker / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s French defender Yan Valery (L) (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s French defender Yan Valery (L) (Photo by FRANK AUGSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton failed to do the double over Arsenal, despite an opening goal by Stuart Armstrong, losing yet again from winning position.

Southampton and Arsenal flew out of the starting gate with chances on both ends within 3 minutes.  Fortunately Stuart Armstrong took his chance and Alexandre Lacazette did not, with Alex McCarthy coming to the rescue of his centre-back’s poor pass.  The Southampton goal was straight from the training ground as a cheeky first corner kick cut back to Armstrong sitting atop the penalty area unmarked.

The first half never lost pace, with Stuart Armstrong consistently testing the Arsenal back line.  Southampton struggled to build out of back as Arsenal forced the ball into their inexperienced wing backs.  The counter was on for Saints more than usual however, as they probably deserved two goals before the half.  Although it was Arsenal who would strike from a seemingly harmless goal kick in which Alex McCarthy committed, but in the end forgot to fully commit conceding the lead at half.

Arsenal produced few chances in the second half, but caught an adjusted Saints side sleeping.  Cedric Soares played a cross-field pass over the head of newly inserted left-back Ibrahima Diallo and Jack Stephens was late covering Lacazette back to goal.  The tap-in seemingly encouraged Ralph Hasenhuttl to wave the white flag and concede the loss having won on Saturday.

Winning back to back games against Arsenal in quick succession was always going to be a big ask.  Hasenhuttl’s side is severely lacking the depth to compete for 90 minutes at such high intensity.  With a similar situation ahead in February with Wolves, the club will need to take a hard look at prioritizing the FA Cup or Premier League.  However, the way this match was played it appears Europe may be out of reach and a Cup run might just suit Ralph’s eye.  Here are the player ratings for the Saints in their 1-3 loss to Arsenal.