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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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates after victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

4. Aaron Ramsdale is in World Class Form

Right now a very substantial contingent of Arsenal fans are eating humble pie. Everyone is in a food coma they’ve had so many servings of it.

Scoffed at when initially signed, Ramsdale has been nothing but sensational for the Gunners, and against Southampton, his passing range and shot-stopping took centre stage.

If Martinelli had put that chance away in the first half he’d have already got the nod for assist of the season. That pass was sublime.

Arsenal’s first goal can also be massively attributed to him. Ramsdale took responsibility to play out from the back and take on the pressure of Southampton’s forwards closing him down to feed a ball into Benjamin White and once Arsenal was out, it was a matter of seconds before Lacazette fired the ball into the net.

He produced several saves in the second half, another hugely encouraging aspect of his game, even if the majority were relatively routine.

Player ratings vs Southampton. dark. Next

His reaction to Arsenal’s first goal tells you all you need to know about him. He will have the No.1 shirt at this football club for years to come, sitting neatly alongside his England No. 1 shirt. Not just the best English goalkeeper, you’d be hard pressed to find many better across the world with the form he’s in.

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