Gunners Arsenal showed signs of fatigue in Sunday's (23rd) Premier League marquee clash, drawing 1-1 with Saints Southampton away from home to end an eight-match winning streak in all competitions and shrinking their lead over second-placed Manchester City to two points.
Arsenal started the game on the front foot, with Gabriel Martinelli and Granic firing shots from tight spaces, but both were deflected by the opposing goalkeeper. Captain Martin Ortigas went close with a long-range shot. It wasn't until the 11th minute that Bucayo Saca's precise long pass from the back was met by Binwet's clever low cross from the right, which Granic quickly followed up with a header. The Swiss midfielder, who scored with his right foot in two consecutive matches after winning 1-0 in last week's UEFA Europa League match against Eindhoven, has now scored four goals in all competitions this season, which is amazing.
After conceding the goal, Southampton quickly adjusted their strategy and threatened Arsenal's backline through constant corner kicks and set-piece attacks. Before the end of the half, Gabriel Jecis and Odigas took a quick shot after a collision, but neither of them was able to cross the line of Southampton's goalkeeper Bass, and Arsenal went into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead at half time.
The second half was a stalemate, with Arsenal gradually losing fitness. In the 65th minute, Southampton equalized with a quick low shot from Mohamed El Yunos assisted by Stewart Iwasthan. Arsenal then brought on Nikitia and Téani, with Nikitia partnering Gabriel Jecis up front to boost their attacking firepower. Téani's cross from the left near the byline was met by Odigas, but the ball crossed the goal line and Arsenal suffered a goal kick, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
