5 talking points in Arsenal’s draw vs Southampton ~ Footy Geek

Arsenal have stuttered in their bid to win their first league title in ten years as they drew at home to in-form Southampton whose keeper Fraser Forster provided an inspirational performance against the gunners. Southampton exposed the problems against Arsenal and we now talk about 5 points from Arsenal’s game vs Southampton.

1. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are the only world class outfield players in this Arsenal team.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been superb against Southampton as they created numerous chances. Alexis has been bought from Barcelona in a £32m deal while Mesut Ozil arrived at the Emirates from Real Madrid in a club record £42.5m fee. Alexis has been brilliant last season while Ozil has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.

The dynamic duo showed Wenger exactly that big money players can elevate and improve the squad significantly who has often been criticized for his stringent spending of money. If Arsenal can add one to two world class stars in the summer they can mount a serious title challenge this season. If Arsenal can keep these two duo fit until the end of the season, Arsenal have a serious chance of winning the Premier League.

2. No proper Striker to challenge and support Giroud.

Olivier Giroud has played well against Southampton but couldn’t convert some of the half chances. Wenger’s trust on second choice strikers Walcott and Welbeck clearly hasn’t paid dividends. Walcott is too inconsistent and missed a clear opportunity against Southampton and then went missing. Walcott’s missing in games and his lack of finishing means he can’t play in a lone striker role. Welbeck has been injured the whole season and Arsenal does not have another proper striker to support Giroud, when Giroud is struggling or to provide another alternative. Could have done with Afobe, maybe??

3. Flamini-Ramsey midfield pivot is just not good enough.

Victor Wanyama andme Southampton controlled the midfield well against the Flamini-Ramsey pair who failed to stamp their authority on the game. Ramsey has always been willing to join the attacks leaving huge gaps behind for Southampton to take advantage of. Flamini has been guilty of wayward passes and failing to initiate attacks and slow the tempo of the game. Francis Coquelin’s comeback from injury is a timely boost for Arsenal. but they are clearly missing the presence of midfield maestro Santi Cazorla.

4. Lack of character.

Arsenal’s main problem for several years has been the mental ability rather than the physical ability and skills. The injury time goal by Allen at Anfield gave a timely reminder to Arsenal how they could cope with the mental test. But series of bad results have put them in a familiar territory once again where they need to show the steel and character to win the title.

5. Fraser Forster performance gives selection problems for England Manager Roy Hodgson.

Fraser Forster put in an inspired man of the match performance which earned his side a draw at the Emirates. Forster hasn’t conceded a goal since his return against Watford. He made two reflexive saves from Mesut Ozil in the first half after a beautiful touch from Ozil, before denying Ozil again from point blank range and then from substitute Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez.
Forster’s performances now have put England Manager Roy Hodgson with tough decisions to make as first choice keeper Joe Hart equally impressive against Sunderland and young Jack Butland having a break out season being consistent through out the season so far. England’s Goalkeepers for Euros look to be in good touch.