The new faces were on show at the Emirates, as Perez and Mustafi both made their debuts in the Arsenal colours. The London rain made the surface slick as Arsenal looked to take advantage of it. The Saints, on the other hand, were fierce competitors in their black and grey colours.
Tadic gave Southampton the lead via an excellent free-kick in the 18th minute, but it was another set piece that finally decided the game. The energy and enthusiasm in the game translated on to the crowds as Arsenal pressed and harrowed their opponents.
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A late penalty ensured Arsenal ran out winners at the Emirates, capping an impressive comeback which Koscielny set in motion with an acrobatic finish in the first half.
It was indeed a very uplifting day for the Arsenal fans, in the end, although they left it nerve wrenchingly late via a Cazorla penalty.
#1 Defenders lead from the front
Apart from a late Shane Long shot in the second half, the defensive pairing of Koscielny and Mustafi were pretty convincing. The full backs with the central defenders formed an excellent unit as well, with Bellerin coming very close to scoring with a beautiful drive across the goal after smooth interplay by the Gunners.
Laurent Koscielny’s goal on his birthday was an icing on the cake, in what was a very good defensive display on a personal front for the defender.
Having lost their opening game of the season at the Emirates, there was no doubt that Arsenal were looking to kickstart their season. The defenders did their bit, as they contributed to the pressure that eventually led to the penalty.
Mustafi also had the vision to pick players with the long back from the back and his passing from defence was impressive.
#2 Tadic shows his creative skills
The Serbian was at his creative best and gave the visitors the lead when his free-kick hit the frame of the bar to bounce off the back of the unfortunate Petr Cech and into the goal. He was a part of the front three that comprised of Nathan Redmond and Jay Rodriquez that showed a lot of energy in the early stages of the game.
The creativity was evident throughout the game and an exquisite backheel to release Shane Long should have resulted in a better finish.
Tadic’s goal came in the 18th minute when the Saints showed some enterprising team play, which would have won them their opponents’ admiration if the resultant free-kick hadn’t led to the goal.
As Redmond was clipped by Nacho Monreal, the free-kick fell in the centre of the goal. Up stepped Tadic and swung in a curler.
#3 Arsenal’s game conductors
Cazorla’s game-winning penalty was a richly deserved reward for the Spaniards relentless running in the game. The Spaniard harrowed his opponents and, his passing and attitude was rewarded with a goal in the end. He was in sparkling form and dictated the game with Ozil and co.
His corner resulted in the equalising goal and the patience he showed to stroke the ball calmly down the middle of the goal was impressive.
Ozil and Sanchez buzzed around the pitch with creative and slick touches. While the birthday boy may have got the goal, it was the combination of the midfield duo of Cazorla and Coquelin who created the opportunity that led to the goal.
Arsene Wenger will be pleased with the energy that his team showed as Arsenal probed and probed the Southampton defence. The Arsenal manager, though, will be concerned with the shooting accuracy; 15 shots with only one on target.
The new signing Perez did look a bit lost and looks like he will take time to gel with the side. He had a decent effort on target which was smothered by the Southampton defence, but aside from that, it was an average performance and Arsenal will hope to see more from him.
#4 Claude Puel needs his side to be more clinical
Of the two sides, Southampton had the better chances, especially Shane Long, who had left the Gunners a bit red-faced when the sides met last Christmas.
He was at it again this time when he combined with Tadic to chip his shot woefully wide of the goal. Another chance towards the end of the game could go down as a miss in the books of Claude Puel.
The Saints’manager saw his side take the lead but after that struggled to retain possession, which ultimately cost them the game. The well-organized defence were undone by two set plays.
His side will now switch focus towards their Europa League game against Sparta Prague on Thursday.
#5 Arsenal in the running
With 7 points from 4 games, Arsene Wenger knows his side can only get better from here.
Sanchez was only able to play a part in the game but was influential enough. Cazorla’s past seven goals in the league have been via penalties and he was at hand to tuck in another one.
Arsene may not have started Granit Xhaka with the game against PSG on Tuesday on his mind and could have cost his Arsenal side the three points.
The new center back Mustafi looked strong and determined and lead with verve which will be encouraging for Arsenal fans.
Puel, on the other hand, would do well to ensure his side climbs out of the bottom, as he finds his feet in English football. The Saints have changed personnel in the recent past, with coaches and players moving out of the club but have always remained competitive.
While it is too early to say, Puel will hope to get points on the board to cement his position.
He will take heart from the performances of some of his players, especially Redmond, whose performance seemed a cut above the others on the day.
