Saints fall to frustrating defeat

premier-league St Mary's Stadium | Thu 25 Jun 6PM | Attendance: 0
Match Report post Highlights

SOU vs ARS
Match Centre

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SOU vs ARS As It Happened

Key moments

  • Nketiah pounces to give Arsenal the lead on 20 minutes
  • Arsenal lead 1-0 at the break.
  • Long and Walker-Peters replace Obafemi and Valery at HT.
  • Willock doubles the lead as Stephens is sent off

Frustrating evening for Saints...

Our full report as Saints fall to defeat at St Mary's to Arsenal 

FULL-TIME: Saints 0-2 Arsenal

Goals from Eddie Nketiah and a late sealer from Joe Willock get the three points for Arsenal, despite Saints dominating the second half. Second half efforts from Ings and Redmond tested the Gunners, however the visitors capitalised on the dismissal of Jack Stephens late on.

+3’

Aubameyang lets fly from range

McCarthy collects comfortably.

+1’

Southampton substitution: Oriol Romeu replaces Danny Ings

Ings makes way.

Sponsored by Utilita

+1’

Southampton substitution: Jannik Vestergaard replaces Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

A late change for Saints.


Højbjerg looks to have picked up a knock here.

Sponsored by Utilita

Willock doubles the lead from close range

Lacazette denied twice, first from the free-kick and then from the rebound, before the ball falls kindly to Joe Willock.

86’

GOAL

Joseph Willock (86’) | 0 2

86’

Stephens sent off as a last man

The centre-back had to make a challenge as Aubameyang looked to be through.


Free-kick to follow for Arsenal.

85’

Red Card for Jack Stephens (Southampton)

The centre-back off for a final-man challenge on Aubameyang.

83’

Bertrand looks to find Redmond, just off!

Saints continuing to press her at St Mary's.


It's certainly been Southampton's half, but no reward as of yet.

81’

Højbjerg down after a heavy challenge

Play resumes as he receives treatment 

79’

Arsenal substitution: Ainsley Maitland-Niles replaces Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos makes way for Maitland-Niles. 


10 minutes to go.

Sponsored by Utilita

79’

Arsenal substitution: Alexandre Lacazette replaces Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal's goalscorer makes way in the first of a double change.

Sponsored by Utilita

79’

Big chance...but Long is denied!

A superb volley from the Irishman but Martinez claims well. 

The skipper (C)

Ward-Prowse overseeing a second-half set-piece.

74’

Nathan Redmond fires against the side netting!

Saints getting forward again as Redmond receives the ball at the back post. But his effort hits the near post's side netting.

71’

Arsenal substitution: Sead Kolasinac replaces Kieran Tierney

Looks like a forced change for Arsenal.

Sponsored by Utilita

68’

Armstrong just over! 

The Scot cuts inside from the left and hits his effort just over the bar.


Another drinks break follows.

66’

Aubameyang and Nketiah combine, McCarthy claims

Arsenal countering with pace once more...


Alex McCarthy does well to hold onto the ball.

63’

Arsenal substitution: Joseph Willock replaces Nicolas Pépé

First substitute of the evening for Arsenal. 

Sponsored by Utilita

63’

Ings volleys just over!

Saints coming at Arsenal again; Shane Long clipping back an effort for Danny Ings who volleys over as he was off-balance.

62’

Walker-Peters involved once more...

The half-time substitute fires a cross in which gets headed out for a Saints corner


70% possession so far this half for the hosts.

Looking for a leveller

Nathan Redmond in second half action.

59’

Bellerin hits an effort, well blocked!

Arsenal look dangerous on the counter-attack.


Bellerin hitting a deflected Pepe cross at Ryan Bertrand who does well to block his effort.

57’

Armstrong tests Martinez

Saints getting a lot more of the ball here and getting a few more chances.


Stuart Armstrong turns and hits an effort at the Arsenal goal, but Martinez is equal to it as he collects at his feet.

54’

Arsenal break through again...

Martinez's long kick is met by the Arsenal skipper, who spots Nketiah free in the box but his cross is cleared behind by Bednarek.


Great defending!

51’

Ward-Prowse goes close from range

Saints looking good to start this second half, our skipper just hitting his latest effort over the Arsenal bar

49’

Walker-Peters looking lively

The full-back wins a corner after a burst of pace down the right wing.

47’

Yellow Card for Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Heavy challenge from the Arsenal youngster on Walker-Peters.

45’

Second half underway...

COME ON YOU SAINTS! 

+19’

Southampton substitution: Shane Long replaces Michael Obafemi

Shane Long returns to complete Hasenhüttl's double substitution.

Sponsored by Utilita

+19’

Southampton substitution: Kyle Walker-Peters replaces Yan Valery

The first of a double Saints change at half-time

Sponsored by Utilita

First 45 in pictures 📸 

The best shots from a frustrating opening half for Saints.

HALF-TIME: Saints 0-1 Arsenal

The visitors grabbing the lead through Eddie Nketiah in the 20th minute and deservedly so on the chances created.


Saints have still looked a threat going forward, but have failed to make their chances count when they fell. 

Plenty of action to come here at St Mary's.

+2’

Another Nketiah chance...

Arsenal break again, Pepe feeding Nketiah who is caught in two-minds over whether to square the ball to Aubameyang or go for goal himself.


His effort eventually squandered as it trickles wide.

+1’

Nketiah penalised...

Flashback's to Arsenal's goal on the 20 minute mark as Nketiah ran through on McCarthy, but the Saints keeper gets there first and the Arsenal forward concedes the foul

45’

Three minutes added time

The break incoming at St Mary's...

42’

Arsenal break following the corner...

Pepe and Ceballos burst down the left wing, but the former's lofted cross is well collected by Alex McCarthy


Less than five to go until the break here at St Mary's.

41’

Bertrand looking to cut inside

Nice move from Saints; Bertrand looking to get inside Bellerin but the Spaniard does well to see him out.


Saints corner...

39’

Valery does well to deny Saka

It's a keen battle down the left-hand side here between the two youngsters, Valery coming out on top this time.

Encouragement from the sidelines 

Plenty of action to come here at St Mary's

34’

Bertrand down after a clash with Bellerin

The Saints full-back looks like he'll be able to carry on though.

28’

Saints looking a threat once more 

Superb touch from Ings to bring down a ball from midfield, before looking at Armstrong at the back post but the ball is just hit too far past the Saints midfielder.

26’

The first water break of the game

Saints with work to do, but plenty of time to do it in.


Still early doors 🤞

24’

Ward-Prowse looks to respond...

The skipper curls an effort from the left flank but it's comfortable for Martinez.

Nketiah pounces to give Arsenal the lead

Alex McCarthy's pass is cut out by the young Arsenal striker who makes no mistake.

20’

GOAL

Eddie Nketiah (20’) | 0 1

18’

Two successive Arsenal corners...

Saints defending well for the first, Danny Ings blocking a Ceballos low cross.

Ings looking lively 👀

Some early chances for Danny Ings...

15’

Saka down after a 50-50 with Højbjerg

The youngster receiving treatment on his ankle

13’

Ings bursts through the Arsenal defence...

But Rob Holding was there to deny our number nine an effort on goal.

12’

Armstrong volleys just wide!

Saints with an effort now...Stuart Armstrong hitting a fierce effort which flies just wide of Martinez's right post.

12’

Yellow Card for Shkodran Mustafi (Arsenal)

Heavy challenge from the centre-back on Danny Ings warrants a yellow card.

11’

Aubameyang smashes the bar!

Tierney's ball finds Aubameyang whose one-on-one effort rattles the crossbar...


Arsenal growing into the game

8’

Nketiah scores...but the flag is raised again

Nice move from Arsenal, as Saka finds Nketiah but the former was caught offside as he squares the ball.

7’

Effort from Aubameyang...

The Arsenal skipper latches onto a loose ball and fires a volley towards McCarthy, but the linesman's flag was raised either way.

3’

Deep cross from Redmond clears everyone in the box

All Saints early doors, Redmond getting the ball on the left-hand side but his eventual cross missing everyone inside the Arsenal penalty area.

1’

Early scuffle in the Arsenal box...

Bertrand looks for Ings inside the box, whose shot is blocked before Armstrong's effort is also cleared away.

0’

KICK-OFF 👊

Pre-match proceedings done, HERE WE GO!

The teams are out...

Both Arsenal and Saints have taken to the pitch here at St Mary's... how are the nerves?

17.56

Warm-ups underway...

Less than half an hour to go 🤔

17.35

What a place 😍

St Mary's is ready...are you, Saints fans?

17.19

Arsenal Team News...

Starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi, Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos, Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pépé, Pierre-Emierick Aubameyang (C), Eddie Nketiah


Subs: Matt Macey, Sokratis, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Özil, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Sead Kolasinac, Matthew Smith

17.07

UNCHANGED 👊

Saints go with the same starting XI that saw past Norwich last week.


Shane Long returns to the substitutes bench.

17.04

😇 SAINTS TEAM NEWS 😇

Starting XI: Alex McCarthy, Yan Valery, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, James Ward-Prowse (C), Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Redmond, Michael Obafemi, Danny Ings


Subs: Angus Gunn, Jannik Vestergaard, Shane Long, Che Adams, Oriol Romeu, Kyle Walker-Peters, Will Smallbone, Jake Vokins, Nathan Tella

17.01

10 minutes till team news...

Who is the first player on your team sheet, Saints fans? 🤔

16.51

The answer is... Danny Ings 🏆

Ingsy got things started in December 2018 as Saints battled to a 3-2 win over tonight's opponents.

16.49

we will do our best to take a better percentage of points at home, and to give our fans the feeling that, although they are not there, we are doing everything we can so they can celebrate at home."

Ralph Hasenhüttl
On winning the remaining home games
14.32

A word with the boss 👔

Hear the thoughts of manager Ralph Hasenhüttl ahead of the visit of Arsenal tonight.

14.30

Last time out 📸

It was all smiles for Saints last week, as goals from Danny Ings, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond sealed a 3-0 win at Norwich City ♥️

14.30

BACK AT 𝙃𝙊𝙈𝙀  😍

Southampton return to St Mary's for competitive action this evening, with Arsenal visiting SO14. 


Saints will be looking to continue from where they left off following the restart, after a convincing 3-0 away win at Norwich City a week ago.

Meanwhile Arsenal are looking for their first point since play resumed, following defeats on the road to Manchester City and Brighton. 

14.27
VOTE NOW
Who is your first change, Saints fans?

Who is your first change, Saints fans?

The results so far:

  • Shane Long
    69%
  • Che Adams
    17%
  • Will Smallbone
    6%
  • Nathan Tella
    0%
  • Oriol Romeu
    3%
  • Other
    6%
VOTE NOW
First goalscorer, Saints fans?

First goalscorer, Saints fans?

The results so far:

  • Nathan Redmond
    7%
  • Danny Ings
    49%
  • James Ward-Prowse
    13%
  • Stuart Armstrong
    16%
  • Michael Obafemi
    9%
  • Other
    6%
VOTE NOW
Who scored the first goal in last season's 3-2 win over Arsenal?

Who scored the first goal in last season's 3-2 win over Arsenal?

The results so far:

  • Nathan Redmond
    13%
  • Charlie Austin
    3%
  • Danny Ings
    71%
  • James Ward-Prowse
    13%

SOU vs ARS Line Ups

Southampton

1
Alex McCarthy (GK)
5
Jack Stephens red card
43
Yan Valery
replace Kyle Walker-Peters (45′)
35
Jan Bednarek
21
Ryan Bertrand
16
James Ward-Prowse (C)
22
Nathan Redmond
23
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
replace Jannik Vestergaard (91′)
17
Stuart Armstrong
20
Michael Obafemi
replace Shane Long (45′)
9
Danny Ings
replace Oriol Romeu (91′)
7
Shane Long
52
Nathan Tella
28
Angus Gunn
27
William Smallbone
29
Jake Vokins
24
Kyle Walker-Peters
14
Oriol Romeu
10
Che Adams
4
Jannik Vestergaard

Arsenal

26
Emiliano Martínez (GK)
3
Kieran Tierney
replace Sead Kolasinac (70′)
16
Rob Holding
20
Shkodran Mustafi yellow card
77
Bukayo Saka yellow card
34
Granit Xhaka
2
Héctor Bellerín
8
Dani Ceballos
replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles (80′)
19
Nicolas Pépé
replace Joseph Willock (64′) goal
30
Eddie Nketiah goal
replace Alexandre Lacazette (79′)
14
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C)
9
Alexandre Lacazette
5
Sokratis
24
Reiss Nelson
57
Matthew Smith
10
Mesut Özil
28
Joseph Willock
15
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
33
Matt Macey
31
Sead Kolasinac

SOU vs ARS Match Stats

Southampton

Head to Head Stats

Arsenal
  • Possession (%)
    53
    comparison angle
    47
  • Shots
    12
    comparison angle
    10
  • Shots on target
    3
    comparison angle
    5
  • Corners
    4
    comparison angle
    6
  • Passes Complete
    345
    comparison angle
    304

Top Saints Player Stats

shots on target
Shots On Target
1
James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse
chances created
Chances Created
2
James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse
passes completed
Passes Completed
55
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
tackles
Tackles
6
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
clearances
Clearances
4
Jan Bednarek
Jan Bednarek
saves
Saves
3
Alex McCarthy
Alex McCarthy