Mac’s howler hands Arteta Euro lifeline
GUNNERS GIFTED POINTS BY SAINTS GOALKEEPER AXED GUENDOUZI IS OUT IN COLD
him off the hook by shooting straight at the goalkeeper.
Then a lovely ball from Kieran Tierney put Aubameyang away and the Gabon international rattled the bar. But that moment of madness from McCarthy was the turning point. Ryan Bertrand shot across the face of goal and Stuart Armstrong missed as Saints tried to fight back, but McCarthy was almost caught out again when Nketiah chased him down.
The best chance of the game for the South Coast side came when a Stephens ball put Shane Long clean through but Gunners’ No2 keeper Emiliano Martinez pulled off a superb one-handed save.
But Aubameyang tested Stephens once too often as he
MATTEO GUENDOUZI’S Arsenal future was plunged into further uncertainty after boss Mikel Arteta axed him from last night’s team.
Guendouzi was involved in a row with Brighton striker Neal Maupay after the 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday and was not even on the bench last night.
Gunners manager Arteta, right, said: “It was squad management. Whatever internal issues we have, we deal with privately.”
Guendouzi was not punished by the FA for appearing to grab Maupay round the throat, but Arteta was furious that his team had thrown the game away at Brighton. He said: “I was concerned raced through and the Saints centre-back hauled him down. Out came the red card. Lacazette’s free-kick was blocked but poor old McCarthy could not hold the ball from his follow-up shot – and sub Willock slammed in the rebound.
SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): McCarthy 5; Valery 6 (Walker-Peters 46, 6), Stephens 6, Bednarek 6, Bertrand 6; Redmond 6, Ward-Prowse 6, Hojbjerg 6 (Vestergaard 90), Armstrong 6; Ings 6 (Romeu 90), Obafemi 5 (Long 46 ,6). Sent off: Stephens 85.
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Martinez 6; Bellerin 7, Mustafi 7, Holding 7, Tierney 7 (Kolasinac 70, 6); Ceballos 7 (Maitland-Niles 80), Xhaka 6, Saka 7; Pepe 6 (Willock 64, 7), Nketiah 8 (Lacazette 79), Aubameyang 7. Goals: Nketiah 20, Willock 86.
Referee: G Scott (Oxfordshire). about the way that happened. It really hurt the team. But the reaction has been very positive.
“I am not concerned about the table. I am only concerned about winning. So this was an important win for us.
“I know what this team can do – but only if they are 100 per cent focused.” Eddie Nketiah scored the opening goal, and Arteta added: ”The maturity and personality Eddie has shown has been incredible.”
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “The way we play means our keeper is more involved. Some things he has to improve on – like decision making.”