ARSENAL ended their losing run with a 1-1 draw against Southampton on Wednesday.
The Saints went ahead early on thanks to an opener from ex-Gunner Theo Walcott.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored as Arsenal drew 1-1 with SouthamptonCredit: EPA
But Arsenal found a way back into the game via captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had been without a goal since November.
However, the Gunners ended the game with ten men after Gabriel Magalhaes was sent off for a second yellow card.
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Arsenal player ratings…
BERND LENO – 6/10
Has become far from a reassuring presence between the sticks.
Could have done more to stop Walcott’s opener but made a few decent stops in second half.
ROB HOLDING – 5
Left for dead by Walcott in Southampton’s opener and was denied by woodwork for late winner.
Unsure of himself at times and may not have much longer in the first team as William Saliba looks to force his way in.
Gabriel became the latest Arsenal player to receive a red cardCredit: AP:Associated Press
GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5
Became the latest Arsenal man to receive a red card after being booked twice.
Doesn’t look like the same centre-back who stole the show when he arrived in the summer and let his side down with a silly dismissal.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 6
Body position was all wrong as Walcott ran through for Arsenal’s first.
Aside from that, he covered his side fairly well but lost any forward momentum as a result.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES – 6
In for Hector Bellerin and brought a bit more intent to the right side.
Took risks with his passes but they mostly didn’t pay off and he was often pinned down.
MOHAMED ELNENY – 6
Tried a box-to-box role but wasn’t much use going up the pitch.
Did a decent job shielding the defence but lack of pace hindered him from effectively dealing with Saints’ forwards.
Dani Ceballos struggled to make an impact in midfieldCredit: Reuters
DANI CEBALLOS – 5
Struggled to make a connection between midfield and attack.
Was rightly denied a penalty in the first half after he went down too easily and will be downcast at not making a bigger difference.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
His mazy run opened up Southampton’s defence before he picked out Nketiah to assist Aubameyang.
Turning into the Gunners’ most dependable man and his versatility has become crucial for Arteta’s in-match system changes.
NICOLAS PEPE – 5
Made little impression on the game after returning from his red card against Leeds.
One decent pass and a few dud shots is not good enough from Arsenal’s record signing.
Eddie Nketiah helped himself to an assist after getting a rare league startCredit: PA:Press Association
EDDIE NKETIAH – 7
Bright spark through the middle at times after being handed a rare league start.
Fans have been calling for his introduction to the Prem and he rewarded Arteta with an assist.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 7
Finally broke his goal duck with a clever finish in the box.
Will be hoping strike gets him firing regularly again and was sharp throughout the game.
SUBS
David Luiz (for Nketiah, 65’) – 6
On to tighten things up after Gabriel’s red, he was solid enough at the back.
Joe Willock (for Ceballos, 67’) – 6
Another youngster who deserves more minutes, he did a decent job keeping the ball ticking over.
Cedric (for Pepe, 85′) – N/A
Was not on the pitch long enough to make an impact.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
