Arsenal vs Southampton: 5 key players to avoiding fiery tailspin

2. Matteo Guendouzi

I could not be happier with how well Matteo Guendouzi has been performing since the pause ended. It’s highly reminiscent of when he first arrived and had to face Chelsea and City in his first two matches. The team failed, but Guendouzi succeeded.

It’s feeling like more of the same here. Against City and Brighton, the team failed, but Guendouzi succeeded (moreso against Brighton than City, but regardless).

Guendouzi has patched over the Granit Xhaka absence incredibly effectively. His passing has been pristine, he’s been so active in moving the ball forward with coolness and composure and he looks every bit the part that he looked under Unai Emery.

Only now he’s clearly patched over whatever was wrong with Arteta and he’s gotten even better. Which really shouldn’t be that surprising since he’s always improving. But still, his ability to maintain a presence in this midfield is crucial to our ability to keep a foothold in a match at all.