[Player Ratings] Arsenal 2-0 Southampton – Lacazette & Mkhitaryan Impress For Gunners

First-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were enough for Arsenal to pick up all three points against Southampton.

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Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal v Southampton
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (UK Time): 14:05 24/02/2019
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Arsenal started quickly in this Premier League clash, grabbing an early lead thanks to a move which was started and finished by Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman found Alex Iwobi on the left who crossed to the back post. As the Gunners appealed for a penalty for a clear foul on Lucas Torreira in the box, Henrikh Mkhitaryan volleyed the ball goalward and Lacazette made just the right contact to divert it into the back of the net.

A solid start but the Gunners’ defensive problems were still on show here. Southampton’s full-backs found a decent amount of success as the Saints forced a couple of impressive saves out of Bernd Leno.

Despite their defensive issues, Arsenal looked far more comfortable pushing forward. Alex Iwobi had a particularly excellent first-half and again found space down the left and squared the ball to Mkhitaryan on the right. This time, the Armenian’s shot was on target as he doubled the Gunners’ lead.

Arsenal continued to press forward in the first half. Granit Xhaka and Alexandre Lacazette impressed and the Frenchman probably should have added a third.

It was a case of game management for Arsenal after the break. Southampton opened up in their pursuit of a way back into the match but the Gunners held firm in defence.

There was little in the way of clear-cut chances for either side but the Gunners did have some decent moments in attack. Southampton barely threatened but Arsenal saw out the match to pick up all three points.

Here’s how we rate the Arsenal players:

Bernd Leno – 7.5

Bernd Leno can be pleased with his afternoon. The German stopper kept Arsenal in the match during the first half with a couple of really good saves.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 7

He played well. Stephan Lichtsteiner impressed in both areas of the pitch with some wonderful crosses in attack and solid one-on-one defending. He was a little slow to get out to close down his man at times but it was a shame to see him pick up that injury.

Sub: Laurent Koscielny (56′) – 7

He was fine. Laurent Koscielny did well after coming on.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6.5

He did okay. Shkodran Mustafi defended well in the centre of the pitch but looked a little more suspect when moved out wide. The German had to cover for the injured Stephan Lichtsteiner but did not look comfortable at full-back.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos – 7.5

Sokratis did well in the centre of defence. He guarded well against the Southampton attackers and kept good control of the ball. A good return to Premier League action.

Sead Kolasinac – 7.5

Sead Kolasinac had his moments this afternoon. The Bosnian full-back attacked well and created a couple of good opportunities for Alexandre Lacazette but was most impressive was his passing today. Kolasinac barely gave the ball away which is incredibly rare for him.

Lucas Torreira – 7.5

He did well. Lucas Torreira looks back in form and playing well in the middle of the park with a typically hardworking and combative performance. He moved quickly around the pitch to win the ball back for the Gunners.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

He was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half but Southampton started to curb Granit Xhaka’s influence as the match progressed. Some mistakes crept into his performance after the break which hurt the side. However, the Swiss international was really impressive before the break.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8.5

Henrikh Mkhitaryan put in a good shift down the right flank. The Armenian international worked extremely hard but was potent in attack. He grabbed a goal and an assist for his efforts but could have created a few more goals.

Aaron Ramsey – 5.5

Not his best performance. Aaron Ramsey didn’t see as much of the ball as he would’ve wanted in either half. He had a couple of nice touches but gave away possession on far too many occasions.

Sub: Mesut Ozil (64′) – 6

He had a few moments but didn’t see as much of the ball as he would’ve wanted.

Alex Iwobi – 8

An impressive performance from Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian international was Arsenal’s best attacking player in the first half down that right flank, creating both of the opening goals.

Sub: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (72′) – 5.5

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang didn’t quite have that sharpness we’re used to seeing from him. A little sluggish.

Alexandre Lacazette – 8.5

An impressive performance from Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman set the tempo for Arsenal in attack with some excellent link-up play and movement. He grabbed a goal and perhaps should have had a couple more.