Wenger’s in total control at the Saints
CITY JUST THREE POINTS AWAY
ALEXIS SANCHEZ and Olivier Giroud clinched Arsenal’s first win at Southampton for 14 years – so Arsene Wenger’s top-four hopes are still alive. Sanchez became the first Gunners hitman to score 20 goals in a season since Robin
THERE are three certainties in life. Death, taxes, and Arsene Wenger making the top four.
Every time he looks under pressure, the Arsenal manager somehow manages to sneak into the Champions League places by hook or by crook. It’s almost a given.
Surely, even after an impressive away win at St Mary’s, this season will be the Gunners’ toughest mission yet, as they still need a minor miracle – three more victories and for either Liverpool or Manchester City to slip up.
But Alexis Sanchez and substitute Olivier Giroud wrapped up a vital three points in what looks to be the hardest game in their run-in to keep Arsenal’s momentum going.
Now it is Stoke away on Saturday, Sunderland at home next Tuesday, and then Everton at the Emirates on the final day. Win all those and suddenly Wenger’s latest crisis will be averted for another year.
Sanchez’s goal was his 20th of the season,
it would be the 20th year running Wenger has made the top four and never has he needed it more with his job on the line.
Arsenal dug deep to get the win. They made a nervous start, maybe the pressure getting to them in the early stages and Southampton looked much the better team.
But slowly the visitors got into the game, putting the Saints under pressure. Aaron Ramsey fired a half-chance wide, as Arsenal tried to be too clever with their intricate passing around the box and could not find a way through the hosts’ defence.
Southampton weathered the storm and only Arsenal keeper Petr Cech stopped them from going ahead. Dusan Tadic chested the ball down, Shkodran Mustafi made a timely tackle but the ball broke to Manolo Gabbiadini and Cech made a brilliant block.
Gabbiadini curled a 40th-minute free-kick inches wide of the target and then Cech came to Arsenal’s rescue again two minutes later with a superb tip over from Nathan Redmond’s fierce shot.
Rather predictably, Arsenal saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limp off with a hamstring injury and his replacement Hector Bellerin’s 45th-minute cross from the right set up a big chance for Danny Welbeck, but he missed a header at the near post.
But, as the game opened up in the second half, Arsenal got forward with greater effect. Ramsey looked to drive them forward, Mesut Ozil finally woke up and Sanchez went in search of the ball.
Wenger’s men at last began to push themselves, going in search of yet another last-gasp scramble for the top four. It used to be an annual event, they have made it look more comfortable in recent seasons, but the old knack is still there. Sure enough, they scored after 60 minutes when Granit Xhaka began a move, feeding Ozil, who then threaded the ball through to Sanchez. The Chile star had been having one of those nights, quietly frustrating with a few histrionics. But this time he reminded everyone of his class.
His turn took out two defenders, then despatched a low shot past Saints keeper Fraser Forster’s despairing left hand.
It brought the away end to life, Arsenal’s fans enjoying the moment. Then, after 83 minutes, they had further cause to celebrate.
Sanchez’s deep cross into the box was headed back across goal by Ramsey and sub Giroud headed in at the back post.
Now Arsenal believe it really could be on.