Arsenal put all critics in their place today when they fired six past newly promoted Southampton today at the Emirates. A lot of people were wondering where Arsenal’s goals would come from this season after the departure of Robin Van Persie and after two 0-0’s in the first two games, people were right to wonder. However a confident 2-0 win at Anfield and then a sensational 6-1 win against Southampton has shown that Arsenal are more than capable of scoring goals. Two own goals and two goals from Gervinho helped Arsenal on their way to a 6-1 riot of Southampton who just couldn’t deal with the passing and the movement of the Gunners.
The game was pretty much wrapped up at half-time after an amazing 45 minutes for Arsene Wenger’s men. The goal scoring riot started when Podolski muscled off several tackles and then fed a perfect pass to Kieran Gibbs who’s powerful shot was saved by Davis but the ball unfortunately rebounded into the net after hitting Jos Hooiveld after just 11 minutes. Just after the half hour mark, Podolski fired in the goal of the game. After a free-kick was won about 25-yards out, Lukas Podolski put down the ball and then bulleted a left footed shot right into the top corner. Some would say it was Van Persie-esque. That was soon followed by a third from Arsenal after Gervinho was let through and he powered home a drive into the back of the net.
It didn’t stop their for the Saints. In the 37th minute, another Kieran Gibbs low drive was deflected over the Southampton keeper and into the back of the net. This time the unlucky player was Nathaniel Clyne. However just before half-time, there was something for the away fans to cheer about. Arsenal’s first goal conceded this season was one to forget for keeper, Szczesny as he fumbled a cross which left Fox with the simple task of slotting home the ball into the empty net. Arsene Wenger made his feelings clear about the goal and he was clearly not happy with the way they conceded. 4-1 at half time after a sensational first half performance by the home side.
The second half was a lot more positive for the Saints as they came out and really got in the faces of Arsenal. Not many chances were create, but the away side kept the ball better and pressed Arsenal a lot more. A very quiet second half was brightened up in the 71st minute when sub, Aaron Ramsey, did a great bit of skill to get past his man and was unlucky to see his shot his the post, only for Gervinho to pounce and put home his second of the game. A fully deserved second goal for the Ivoary Coast international, who looked a threat all game for Arsenal. It was Gervinho’s replacement who finished off the scoring as Southampton old boy, Theo Walcott, fired home Arsenal’s sixth and last of the game.
A dominating and confident performance is exactly what Arsenal would have wanted today and that is exactly what they got. Quite a sensational performance by the Gunners who’s passing was as good as ever and movement was as sharp as ever as well. Southampton struggled to get a grip of the game and it is the first real battering they have taken since being promoted to the Premier League.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin (Ramsey 67), Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski (Giroud 74), Gervinho (Walcott 74). Subs not used: Mannone, Koscielny, Andre Santos, Arshavin.
Scorers: Hooiveld (og) 11, Podolski 31, Gervinho 35, 71, Clyne (og) 37, Walcott.
Southampton: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Hooiveld (Yoshida 28), Fonte, Fox, Puncheon, Ward-Prowse, Schneiderlin, Steven Davis (Ramirez 45), Lallana, Lambert (Rodriguez 76). Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Richardson, Mayuka, Chaplow.
Scorer: Fox 45.
Referee: Kevin Friend.
Attendance: 60,097.
Alex William Batt
