Arsenal 3-1 Southampton – By The Numbers
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ARSENAL 3–1 SOUTHAMPTON: BY THE VISUALS
ARSENAL 3–1 SOUTHAMPTON: BY THE NUMBERS
Southampton visited Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, winless in their last 19 Premier League matches. Although we hadn’t beaten The Saints in our previous three league meetings—drawing both games the last time they were in the Premier League—we’ve never lost to them at home in the competition, with their last league win in North London coming in 1987.
Mikel Arteta made a few changes to the Arsenal lineup following a statement victory in the Champions League. Sterling replaced Martinelli, while Jorginho took over from Partey in midfield as the Ghanaian moved to right-back, with neither Timber nor White available. Jesus replaced Trossard.
The first 15 minutes were promising for The Gunners, who recorded six shots compared to their opponent’s one and appeared to be in total control, with a goal seemingly just around the corner. However, in the following 15 minutes, there were only three shots in total—two from Arsenal and one from Southampton—as we lost our early momentum following a Southampton injury and substitution that led to a break in play. Although we regained some rhythm before half-time, we had to wait until injury time to record our first shot on target, going into the break level.
In the 55th minute, Southampton scored first, but it ultimately proved to be a blessing in disguise.
A key characteristic of Southampton under Russell Martin has been their persistence in playing out from the back or maintaining possession, even if it means recycling the ball in their own half.
6 – Errors leading to goals for Southampton so far this season, the highest in the Premier League.
55 – Times Southampton have lost possession in their defensive third, also the most in the Premier League.
On the other hand, one of the strengths of this current Arsenal side is our ability to adapt to our opponents. We can sit deep and invite pressure when necessary, but when faced with an opponent unwilling to adjust their playing style—one that continues to play out from the back or aims to recycle possession despite being heavily pressed—it became clear early on that Arteta had set his team up to exploit this from the start, which ultimately allowed us to equalise.
High Turnover refers to any sequence that begins in open play and occurs within 40 meters of the opponent’s goal.
Just three minutes after going behind, Saka dispossessed Flynn Downes within 40 metres of his own goal and found Havertz in space, who finished emphatically (0.13 xG, 0.52 xGOT).
On 68 minutes, a fine cross from Saka found an unmarked Martinelli, confirmed onside by VAR, and the winger’s side-footed volley (0.41 xG, 0.55 xGOT) slipped through Ramsdale’s legs.
Late in the game, as the Saints pushed for an equaliser, Trossard broke free, and Sugawara’s interception fell to Saka, who finished past Ramsdale (0.06 xG, 0.29 xGOT).
20 – Goals in 20 Premier League games for Kai Havertz when played as a striker for Arsenal, averaging a goal contribution every 82 minutes.
7 – Goals for Kai Havertz in his last seven games in all competitions at the Emirates Stadium, including his last five Premier League matches there.
Kai Havertz showed real leadership by taking that chance upon himself to score the equaliser. After the match, Arteta mentioned that The German can still get better. While I love where he is for us right now, if Mikel is correct and there's another level yet to be revealed, it's an exciting prospect.
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BUKAYO SAKA’S GAME BY NUMBERS
3 big chances created, 15 touches in opponents box, 8x possession won, 7 shots (6 inside the box), 3 duels won, 2 fouls won, 2 shots on target, 2 assists and 1 goal.
27 – Chances created by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least four more than any other player.
13 – Big chances by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least five more than any other player.
7 – Assists provided by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least three more than any other player.
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It might seem trivial, given that the match was against so-called “guaranteed relegation fodder,” but Saturday’s win was yet another example of Arsenal overcoming adversity. This season, we’ve faced a range of challenges: playing with ten men against Brighton and City, missing key players due to injuries and suspensions in the North London Derby, finding a late winner against Leicester, and now coming from behind to beat Southampton.
And yet, we’ve earned 17 points out of a possible 21 and sit just one point off the top spot as we head into another international break.
Follow me on Threads @jonollington
Sources: my own database, Opta, fbref, @Orbinho Threads feed
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