Super Sanchez to the rescue!

Arsenal 1-0 Southampton

A last minute goal from Alexis Sanchez saved Arsenal from yet another frustrating result at the Emirates, on Wednesday, a game in which they struggled to create goal scoring opportunities once again.

Wenger restored Danny Welbeck to the lone striker role, with Giroud sat on the bench and Arsenal lacked any real presence in the final third, with painfully slow build up play undermining their attacks. Southampton were well organised and defended extremely well, but the Gunners also played into their hands as their attacks lacked any real width with Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain naturally drifting inside from the flanks. As a result the Southampton defence were never really stretched or pulled out of position as the game was played in front of them, with Arsenal playing far too many passes in and around the box and ultimately losing possession as they attempted an intricate final pass.

Aaron Ramsey was the chief culprit for giving the ball away. The Welshman had an outstanding season last year when it was believed he had finally come of age and displaying the huge potential Wenger had seen in him at 16. Unfortunately, so far this season Ramsey has been a pale shadow of the player who lit up the Emirates time and time again last year. The confidence to attempt difficult passes or skill appears to still be there but the execution is severely lacking. Ramsey’s trademarks last season were his late runs into the box and clinical finishing, but that has all gone as frustration at his own lack of form mounts. When he does now have a goal scoring opportunity, he reverts to his former self and snatches at the chance, rather than exuding the calmness which served him so well during the last campaign.

Ramsey’s performance throughout the entire game on Wednesday night was so poor it was difficult to understand why Thomas Rosicky was not brought on to replace him. Having been persuaded to sign a new contract last season, the Czech international has inexplicably fallen down the pecking order to become a bit part player, a role he does not deserve. The game on Wednesday appeared tailor made for him as he is a midfielder who carries the ball forward, commits players and therefore creates space for others. Yet Wenger refused to introduce him into the game, despite asking him to warm up for the entire second period and in fact took off another player who similarly likes to run at the opposition, in Oxlade-Chamberlain, much to the consternation of the home crowd. Given the reaction to this substitution and the banner held up by Arsenal supporters who had travelled to West Brom at the weekend, it is clear the mood amongst Gunners fans is changing and Wenger is under pressure.

To a certain extent, the manager is also being let down by his players. Ramsey is not the only one failing to perform at his best, Per Mertesacker has also been guilty of this so far this season, a fact he himself admitted a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the big German defender has still not managed to address the issues which are affecting his performances. He is far too slow and ponderous in possession, stifling any pace and momentum from Arsenal’s play, while his aerial ability is embarrassing at times as he fails to get any power on defensive headers, gifting the opposition the ball in dangerous areas, when he should have cleared his lines. One lapse in concentration during the first half almost gifted Southampton the lead, as Mertesacker allowed Pelle to run off him and receive a return pass inside the area, but with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Italian skied his effort over the bar.

The Gunners didn’t really get into the game until Olivier Giroud entered the fray, replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain. In contrast to Danny Welbeck, who likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender, seeking to run in behind the opposition defence, Giroud provides a real physical presence up front. When at his best, he can occupy both opposition centre backs with his physicality while the midfielders know they can ping balls into him and run forward for a return pass. Giroud brings those around him into the game and his return from injury highlights just how much Arsenal missed him. The Frenchman almost opened the scoring immediately on Wednesday, with a fierce volley which forced Forster into a fine save, before flicking the ball through to Welbeck for the Englishman to bring out the best in Forster once again as the former Celtic goalkeeper produced a superb one handed save, a feat he would later repeat to keep out Giroud’s looping header which had seemed destined for the back of the net.

Arsenal were piling on the pressure, especially as Southampton had to end the game with 10 men due to injuries, but time was running out. With only a minute and a half left, Chambers’ cross appeared to strike the hand of Jose Fonte but appeals for a penalty were waived away by the inept Andre Mariner. Ramsey picked up the loose ball and with Giroud occupying the defenders, the Welshman cut the ball back to Sanchez who was in acres of space and simply couldn’t miss. It was the Chilean’s 14^th goal of an already outstanding first season in North London.

Wenger will be pleased his side have now racked up a third successive victory and are moving up the table, sitting in sixth place only two points off fourth place, but this was another disjointed performance from his side. Fluidity in attack has been severely lacking all season and the manager has not been able to address it. He will therefore be extremely grateful that Giroud has returned from injury far earlier than expected as the Frenchman appears to be the missing link in the forward three. With unrest amongst the fans appearing to be on the rise, only results will appease the crowd and Wenger will be hoping his side can now build some momentum.