Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Player Ratings vs Southampton: Bukayo Saka Sparkles

By Ross Kennerley

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on January 26, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on January 26, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on January 26, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 7/10 – Fell asleep in the opening few minutes when he allowed Armstrong to waltz his way into the box and slam home the opener. Then, expecting him to crumble from there, Pepe put in a solid shift, his best in the Premier League this season, epitomised by his well-taken goal.

Pressing and covering in equal measures, even some of his touches were silkier than usual. Whereas he can always look like a threat, this time he was a threat. Far from perfect. Far from poor.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 7/10 – Relentless work-rate as the sole striker, setting the tone for where the rest of the side kicked into gear. Of course, the miss will be mentioned as it was a glorious chance for him.

His endeavour can’t be questioned. All-action. Got the goal his performance deserved.

Bukayo Saka (LW) – 8/10 – Excellent. As per usual.

There was a very brief spell where he moved out to the left and swapped with Pepe, a move that quickly dissipated before he returned to his now favoured flank. A danger every time he was on the ball, his movements were clever, he beat his man on numerous occasions and the goal was wonderfully taken on his (not so) weaker foot.

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