By Alan Duffy
Southampton 2-0 Arsenal – Premier League – 1st January 2015
Arsenal produced yet another embarrassing defensive display at St. Mary’s on Thursday, with the Gunners deservedly going down 2-0 to Southampton.
The visitors were threadbare in midfield and attack but started with their first choice back-four and goalkeeper. However, on 34 minutes Sadio Mane lobbed the ball over Wojciech Szczesny after firsty, Laurent Koscielny had failed to deal with the onrushing Saints’ attacker and secondly, when Szczesny inexplicably came too far out of his goal. The goal was a deserved one for Ronald Koeman’s side who looked superior throughout the game.
After the break, Dusan Tadic made the most of another howler involving Szczesny (and Mathieu Debuchy) while the hosts could and should have netted at least two more. The Gunners were unlucky not to see Florin Gardos sent off for what was a clear last-man foul on Alexis Sanchez but overall, Arsene Wenger’s men were second best for the 90 minutes.
Fourth-placed Southampton go three point clear of the Gunners who desperately need reinforcements in the transfer window.
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Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube