Arsenal 3-0 Southampton: 4 talking points from Saints thrashing

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 11, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Steve Bardens / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by STEVE BARDENS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by STEVE BARDENS/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Arteta Keeps the Faith With Same Starting Lineup

Mikel Arteta fielded the same team that lost 2-1 to Everton at Goodison Park. Sometimes that can backfire, but today, Arteta was vindicated in his team selection.

It adds to the general strangeness of this team. Just a few days apart, the same set of players can be chalk and cheese.

Given a chance to rectify their errors against the Toffees, every single Arsenal player did their job today. Lacazette led the line well, the midfield ticked over after a poor opening 20 minutes, Odegaard pulled the strings as he continues to get better, and Gabriel Martinelli was a constant threat with his closing down and energy throughout the 90 minutes.

With the win, Arsenal jumped up to fifth in the table, just one point behind West Ham who has a game in hand.

It was a performance that was richly needed after the two-week horror show that was Manchester United and Everton. The Gunners overcame their slow start to put Southampton to the sword in a positive display, all with the same team that produced whatever it was that fans laid witness to on Merseyside.

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