3 reasons why Arsenal's defeat to Southampton was coming

#3 Over-Reliance on substitutes

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This probably sounds crazy. Substitutes are part of the team and they are actually brought in to make a difference. Making substitutions that bring a change to the game can only be a good thing then.

All of the above is true. However, it becomes a pattern when games are consistently being changed by substitutes. This can be interpreted in three ways. Firstly, the manager knows how to make vital game-changing contributions. Secondly, the quality of the players on the bench is good and shows great squad depth. Thirdly, the manager was picking the wrong starting XI all along.

Arsenal substitutes have made more game-changing contributions (goals and assists) than any other team in the Premier League. The three explained interpretations are applicable in the case of Arsenal this season.

Arsenal have almost always waited for substitutions before they pick up or kick on in games. It is also a contributing factor in their markedly improved second half displays.

However, it is also a sign that Emery has not picked the right or the strongest starting XI on several occasions in the season.