Arsenal’s new signings Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez had mixed fortunes, the Spanish striker getting hooked early after a disappointing display
Santi Cazorla won the game for Arsenal with a highly controversial injury time penalty.
Jose Fonte brought down Olivier Giroud in the penalty box and referee Bobby Madley pointed to the spot to allow Cazorla to fire home.
But Saints were incensed because Arsenal and Madley had played on even though Laurent Koscielny was down in the box with a head injury after a clash with Fonte.
Southampton took a shock lead after just 18 minutes when Dusan Tadic’s free kick on the edge of the box hit the box, hit the bar and then rebounded in off Arsenal keeper Petr Cech.
But Arsenal equalised after 29 minutes when Koscielny scored with a spectacular overhead kick as Wenger’s men came back strongly.
Both teams had chances to win the game and Cech made a late double save from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Shane Long.
But the Gunners eventually found a winner when Jose Fonte brought down Giroud in the box and Cazorla tucked away the subsequent spot kick.
Arsenal’s new signings Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez had mixed fortunes, the Spanish striker getting hooked early after a disappointing display.
1. Arsenal’s new boys were hit and miss
The press box was split over what to call Lucas Perez. Lucas? Or Perez? Apparently he likes to be known as Lucas but our natural instinct is to go by the traditional second name.
Anyway, both Lucas and Perez were equally poor and looked far from being the Spanish Jamie Vardy. Will take time to adjust and was hooked early.
However, Shkodran Mustafi looks strong, determined and wears his heart on his sleeve. He looks made for English football and what Arsenal needed in defence.
2. Southampton boss Claude Puel is facing a tough season
Don’t get me wrong, Southampton are a well established Premier League side. And they have got some good players, they are in the Europa League and Southampton should be aiming for another top half finish.
But Puel is a bit of an unknown quantity, softly spoken and still very much finding his feet in English football. You get the feeling this is a gamble, they hope it works, want it to work and yet there’s a element of risk.
3. Resting players for Champions League is a dangerous business
It is a gamble because of the message that it sends. Alexis Sanchez only came back from international duty on Thursday evening so that is understandable.
But Granit Xhaka did not start with Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday in mind. Arsene Wenger rested and rotated as he wants a result in the Champions League.
The message that sends and losing some momentum can cost dear in the Premier League.
4. Laurent Koscielny can score spectacular goals
Koscielny’s overhead kick was not sticking his leg out and taking a punt. Nor was it lucky. It was an absolute peach.
The ball was bouncing around in the box, Koscielny stepped in, saw what was happening and lined up his overhead kick with power and precision.
It was a fantastic effort and you may not see a more spectacular goal from a centre half this season.
5. Nathan Redmond is an England player in the making
With his pace and power, Redmond is a major threat for Southampton and his summer move to a top end Premier League club should put him in the England frame.
Redmond has been outstanding for the under-21s for the last year or so and he is already showing that his move to St Mary’s may give him an extra edge.
His pace and movement really drove Southampton forward.
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