Arsenal’s title hopes took another blow with an unconvincing goalless draw at home to Southampton. Despite the return of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners were unable to convert any of their chances into goals, and after a run of four games without a win, have dropped down to fourth place in the league.
The Gunners had a shaky start, probably due to the fresh memories of their capitulation against Southampton just two months ago. However, the quality of Ozil and Alexis began to shine through. Alexis drifted in a beautiful ball for the German who controlled it with one sublime touch but sent it straight at Fraser Forster. It was Ozil again who also sent another golden chance at Southampton’s shot stopper from an Olivier Giroud nod on, depriving Arsenal of an opening goal.
Arsenal suffered throughout the game from the absence of a functional centre midfield. Mathieu Flamini again demonstrated the technical weaknesses of his game and Aaron Ramsey was a shadow of his usual self. This area remains a major concern as the current midfield is incapable of being the building block of attacks, leaving Ozil to shoulder the creative burden. The German created 10 chances this match, higher than any other player in a Premier League game this season.
Petr Cech was confident and solid behind a weak back line, coming out to claim multiple crosses and ease the pressure on Arsenal. Forster, on the other side of the pitch, matched Cech’s performance with some fantastic shot stopping.
In the second half, Arsenal pressed but never truly threatened the Southampton defence. The Saints were defensively strong, and James Ward-Prowse was there to clear an Alexis shot off the line from one of Arsenal’s 13 corners.
Theo Walcott, substituted on for Joel Campbell, made no impact apart from sending two shots straight into the Saints ‘keeper. His early season promise as a striker seems to have faded far into the distance and his lack of end product is disappointing for a player who should be reaching his peak.
Wenger must find a way to transform Arsenal because the current side are bereft of the confidence, fluidity and goals necessary for them to sustain a title challenge. They should be achieving more with the likes of Alexis, Ozil and Ramsey on paper and will hope to achieve a much-needed win at Bournemouth next Saturday.
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