Mikel Arteta handed triple Arsenal title boost after latest record falls after two-year wait

It might have been made harder than it should have been, but Arsenal mercifully scored three times against Aaron Ramsdale’s Southampton to grab an all-important three points. With the results of their title rivals, Mikel Arteta could not afford to drop any here.

Like with the clash with Leicester City, there was still an air of inevitability. Thankfully, on this occasion, the Gunners did not leave it until stoppage time to score two goals and very swiftly levelled the scores after Cameron Archer’s goal.

The international break is up next but the league table remains a healthy reference point to lift the mood amongst those inside the club and of course the supporters outside.

The worst time to lose

Arsenal avoided what was and is and forever will be the worst time to drop points. There is only thing worse than the international break for clubs and that is the failure to win in the final game before going into it – avoiding the festering feeling of frustration that lingers with it.

This being the second break of course and Arsenal have already had the experience of the aforementioned sustained angst after their controversial Declan Rice red card was the primary cause for their draw with Brighton. Thankfully, the fortnight that followed, despite being horrendous, was responded to perfectly with a win in the North London Derby – Bournemouth and then Liverpool follow this gap which the Gunners know again are must-wins.

Rotation enacted

Arsenal were the dominant force in the game, persistently knocking on the Saints’ door and being frustrated. Yet, despite it taking a substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, to score the winner, Arsenal did find the equaliser with their initial squad on the field.

Sterling looked sprightly and had moments where in other games his actions would have been rewarded with goal contributions. Jorginho too provided some great passes and control which helped to find the forwards and get some valuable minutes.

The only question mark was Gabriel Jesus who couldn’t quite grasp the opportunity he had been given to start up top. Havertz of course, despite playing from the start in midfield, still delivered an all-important goal on the day.

Some teams just have something which will forever baffle every football fan. It does not matter how good the team is, there are just some grounds and some sides that Arsenal simply struggle to beat and in 2022/23 the Gunners drew twice with Southampton and their 3-3 draw at the Emirates was an incredibly damaging match to their title hopes.

When Archer scored, there was a sense of, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ Overcoming a bogey side and putting to bed those bad omens has been a theme of Arteta’s tenure.

Winning at Tottenham, and Manchester United, or improving the record against ‘Big Six’ sides has been a key one. But bogey sides like Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and now Southampton have seen their shadows which hang over the side brought into the light and eradicated.