Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup in the Fourth Round on Saturday after a 1-0 loss against Southampton at St Mary's.
Arteta, as expected, fielded a rotated side for the game, brining in Cedric, Luiz, Elneny, Pepe, Willian, Martinelli and Nketiah. Arsenal struggled with the changes, missing a select few individuals who have driven this team forward in recent weeks.
Southampton’s pressing caused Arsenal problems throughout, forcing countless turnovers off the centre backs and defensive midfielders with the forwards struggling to provide an option up front. This disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm and whilst the three subs of Saka, Partey and Lacazette did noticeably improve Arsenal’s play, it was not enough to bail them out.
Surprisingly, Gabriel looked significantly off the pace. He was slow to challenges, careless with his passes and his decision making was not as sharp as it was a month ago. This may make it difficult for him to break back into the Premier League starting team with Holding cementing his place on the right and Mari’s good form on the left – plus David Luiz being David Luiz.
Outside of Gabriel, the performance was predictable, Arsenal did not have their best players on the pitch and that cost them.
Arteta, as expected, brought back in his available first team starters for the Premier League fixture away at Southampton on Tuesday night. The difference was stark as Arsenal emerged 3-1 winners.
David Luiz, Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe and Lacazette all returned to the side with Tierney missing out due to a tight calf and Aubameyang missing out for personal reasons.
Arsenal came out of the gates flying, pressing Southampton into a turnover in their own half inside a minute as Xhaka picked up a wayward pass and slipped Lacazette through 1 on 1. The Frenchman went to slide the ball under McCarthy who got just enough on it to prevent an early Arsenal goal.
In the 3rd minute it was Southampton with the opener, however, with Stuart Armstrong striking in a shot from the edge of the box off a Ward-Prowse corner. Pepe had left Armstrong completely free, giving him plenty of space to line up his strike and put Saints 1-0 up.
Pepe made up for his mistake minutes later as Arsenal once again won the ball high up the field. Saka this time picked up the loose ball and played it to Partey who found Xhaka who again slipped through the ball to put an Arsenal player 1 on 1. This time it was Pepe, who coolly found the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Arsenal doubled their lead before half time from a rare long goal kick. We have become accustomed to Arsenal trying to play out from the back in the past few years but this goal showed the advantage of mixing up goal kicks. The ball fell in the midfield with Xhaka the first to meet it, playing the ball forward to Lacazette who instantly played through Saka on the turn. Saka had run in between the left back and centre back before being met by the keeper on the edge of the box. Saka rounded McCarthy and tucked the ball into the empty net.
The game was sealed in the 72nd minute off the back off two fantastic passes. Cedric played a sumptuous Crossfield switch towards Saka on the right side. Saka met the ball on the half volley with his weaker right foot, playing an inch perfect cross to Lacazette for a simple tap in at the back post.
(Credit: RMC)
Strangely, two players who struggled in the FA Cup game, Cedric and Pepe, both stepped up significantly, playing their best games in months. Cedric’s passing was far better, helped by the positioning of Arsenal’s forwards as well as their willingness to run in behind.
Pepe was livelier and more direct than he has been previously. He played out on the left wing, a position he also looked lively in during the Europa League group stages. On the right wing, he constantly looks to seize up his man, waiting for the perfect moment to cut inside, however, out on the left, his game seems far simpler. It is more about his runs, his crossing and his passing rather than overcomplicating his play because he is always looking to cut inside and find the top corner.
Whilst it feels like there is a big clear out coming in the summer, a number of Arsenal’s potential departures can still play a significant role between now and the end of the season, particularly in the Europa League – perhaps Arsenal’s best chance for Champions League football next season.
On Wednesday, Arsenal completed the loan signing of attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid until the end of the season. Odegaard had a bright loan spell at Real Sociedad last season, a club which were also trying to sign him this January, but he has struggled for minutes this season. With Smith Rowe’s injury history and his relative inexperience, having a player to share the creative burden is a welcome addition.
Arsenal’s next game is against 2nd place Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday at 5:30pm. They have been on a fantastic run recently but surprisingly lost 2-1 to Sheffield United on Wednesday. As a result, they will be expecting a reaction and despite Arsenal’s recent run, I think a defeat is on the cards.
Prediction: Arsenal 1 – 2 Manchester United
Adam Perry – 29/01/2020