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.
57.4% – Possession for Southampton so far this season. The Saints rank 5th overall in the Premier League, but much of their possession is in their own half, ranking 2nd for touches in the defensive and middle thirds but 10th for touches in the attacking third, and 16th for touches in the penalty area.
On the other hand, one of the strengths of the current Arsenal side is its adaptability. We can sit deep and invite pressure when needed, but against opponents who insist on playing out from the back or recycling possession, we can press high and relentlessly.
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.
It quickly became clear that Arteta had set up his team to exploit their style of play, 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).
7 – Shots for Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka (joint-most in a single game by any player across all teams this season). It’s the second time both have recorded seven shots in a league game this season, the previous instance being against Leicester in their last match.
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 stepping up to score the equaliser. After the match, Arteta said that the German could still get better. While I love what he’s bringing to the team right now, if Mikel is right and there’s still another level to unlock, it’s an exciting prospect.
14 – Passes into the final third by William Saliba (first overall). The Frenchman also recorded the highest number of completed passes, totalling 89, and achieved a combined progressive carry distance of 191 yards (first overall).
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BUKAYO SAKA’S GAME BY NUMBERS
Most big chances created (3), most touches in opponents box (15), joint most shots (7), joint most passes into the penalty area (3), most progressive carries (8), 8x possession won, 3 duels won, 2 fouls won, 2 shots on target, 2 assists and 1 goal.
7 – Shots and 8 key passes for Bukayo Saka. The only player on record (since 2003-04) to have 7+ shots and create 7+ chances in a Premier League game more than once, and he’s done it in back-to-back appearances.
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 already 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.
It hasn’t been an easy start, but 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.
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Sources: my own database, Opta, fbref, @Orbinho Threads feed
Shouldn’t the Successful Dribbles and Tackles Won stats be connected somehow? How is it possible that Arsenal have 71% Successful Dribbles and at the same time Southampton have 73% Tackles Won?
I just checked the query and I’m not including challenges in the overall total. Thanks for spotting, will update as soon as I’m home.
“20 – Goals in 20 Premier League games for Kai Havertz when played as a striker for Arsenal, averaging a goal contribution every 82 minutes.”
Not bad for a player even some gooners will tell you is not a proper striker
An opinion I completely reject, just to be clear.
He isn’t. But just one question: what will Arteta do if Havertz gets injured?
Selling Eddie and not replacing him looks like a bad decision right now.
That’s why we have to pray to Jesus.
if the xG numbers are anything to go by we play Tomi as striker, clearly the man can sniff out a chance (also wtf when tf did Tomi get 0.46 xG)
I think you have an outdated idea of what a proper striker is. We have an attacking group and 1 of that group has 20 in 20 when (nominally) in the striker position, not only is that not an issue it’s also a strength. He doesn’t score the header against PSG if he’s standing in a ‘proper striker’s position because he gets picked up by a CB. If Havertz gets injured then someone else from the attacking group plays there, and we play in a different way to facilitate everyone’s strengths. We have multiple ways of playing now, its one… Read more »
Look, I understand where you’re coming from: you want our own answer to Haaland – a proper striker, prime Henry, Suarez, Lewandowski. A guy who can score from nothing and decide a game on his own. I don’t think there are many people here who wouldn’t welcome such player with open arms. There is the often-repeated argument how we lacked some X factor in truly decisive games such as the Bayern ties last year and I agree. Problem is, there are basically none. „A proper number nine” seems to be a dying species in this iteration of modern football. And… Read more »
I really hope England manage the minutes Saka plays. He shouldn’t start both games, same with Rice.
If you see pigs flying around the England training sessions, you’ll know that you have what you wanted.
Absolutely love the player dashboard