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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton: Xhaka comeback continues but Martinelli drops level and Jesus wasteful

Arsenal’s winning streak came to an end as they were held to a draw at Southampton.

The Gunners took the lead early on through Granit Xhaka as he fired home from Ben White’s cross, and they dominated the first 30 minutes.

Arsenal, however, failed to take their chances and after the break Southampton came back into the game.

The hosts eventually equalised midway through the second half through Stuart Armstrong and Arsenal were made to settle for a point.

Simon Collings was at St Mary’s to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Didn’t really have masses to do, especially in the first half. Looked fairly solid from corners and crosses. Couldn’t do much about the goal.

Ben White 7

Started the game really well, like most of the Arsenal team, and created the goal with a good cross for Xhaka. One of Arsenal’s better players.

William Saliba 6

Had a bit of an off-day overall really. Was almost caught out after half-time when his underhit pass to Gabriel allowed Saints through on goal.

Gabriel 6

Forced to defend a lot of set-pieces as Southampton got joy from corners and long throw-ins. Had a solid performance but nothing sensational.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 5

Had a fairly solid first half but he then struggled after the break as Mohamed Elyounoussi caused him problems. Moved to right-back for the final 20 minutes.

Martin Odegaard 7

Missed a great chance early on when he dragged a shot wide of the right-hand post. Did set up a great opportunity for Jesus with a lovely scooped pass and had a goal chalked off.

Thomas Partey 6

Looked solid at the base of the midfield for Arsenal, with his range of passing excellent. His influence, however, declined during the second half.

Granit Xhaka 7 | Star player

Another good performance from the Switzerland international, who opened the scoring for Arsenal. Seemed to tire in the second half, though.

Bukayo Saka 7

Lively as ever off his wing and caused problems when he cut inside. Came in for some rough treatment from the Saints defenders and battled well.

Gabriel Jesus 5

Will feel like he should have scored today as he had plenty of chances, particularly in the first half, to find the net. As ever, his link play was solid.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

Had a few nice runs down the left but couldn’t create masses of chances. Currently not quite at the level he was earlier on in the season.

Substitutions

Kieran Tierney (White 72’) 6

Off the bench and had a good cameo. Set up Odegaard for a goal, but it was chalked off as the ball just went out of play.

Eddie Nketiah (Martinelli 71’) 6

Went close with an effort from inside the box that he dragged wide.

Fabio Vieira (Odegaard 83’) N/A

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