Arsenal took their Premier League win streak to two in a row beating Southampton 1-0 at the Emirates through an 89th minute winner from Alexis Sanchez . With the victory, the Gunners move to 6th in the table while the loss keeps the Saints in 3rd place, one point behind Manchester City.
[RELATED: Watch full replays]
A goal-less first half of play was nevertheless entertaining with both sides enjoying bouts of possession. The clearest chance fell to Graziano Pelle, whose one-two with Steven Davis put the Italian in but his left-footed effort skied over the bar from 10 yards out. Pelle’s strike partner on the day, Shane Long, was a menace down the right flank, linking up with Nathaniel Clyne and putting Nacho Monreal under pressure, but to no avail.
For Arsenal, it was Danny Welbeck looking lively, putting his 7th minute effort just wide of the target before nearly nicking an injury time but for the goalkeeping of Fraser Forster. A minute later and it was Forster coming up big again snuffing out a quick re-start from Santi Cazorla that Welbeck nearly nipped in.
[VIDEO: Premier League highlights]
Forster continued to lead his side through the second half, coming up with a number of strong saves. With Olivier Giroud on for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the match temperature turned up as the French striker tested Forster with a left-footed strike in the 64th minute. Mere seconds later and it was Giroud playing the role of provider, receiving a pass from Alexis Sanchez at the top of the box and back-heeling to Welbeck. The Englishman took his effort well but Forster’s left palm nodded the ball away from distress.
[RELATED: Latest Premier League standings]
With time winding down, both managers made offensive changes with Arsene Wenger bringing on Lukas Podolski for Welbeck and Ronald Koeman substituting Emmanuel Mayuka for Long. With the Gunners pressing, Forster brilliantly tipped Giroud’s 81st minute effort wide and it looked like it wouldn’t be Arsenal’s day. But Wenger’s men stormed back and in the 89th minute Giroud’s muffed volley found Ramsey who put his pass directly on the foot of Sanchez to finish from close range.
LINEUPS
Arsenal: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Giroud 65’), Alexis, Welbeck (Podolski 81′)
Goals: Sanchez 89′
Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Fonte (c), Alderweireld, Bertrand, Wanyama, Cork (Yoshida 29′), S. Davis, Tadić (Mane 61′), Long (Mayuka 81’), Pellè
Goals: None
