Martin Odegaard’s 89th-minute winner consigned Southampton to a grim piece of Premier League historical past, struggling their thirtieth defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss to second-placed Arsenal. The outcome confirmed nothing new when it comes to desk placement — Arsenal settled in behind champions Liverpool, whereas Southampton bowed out on the foot of the division — however it marked a fittingly tense finish to 2 contrasting campaigns.
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Southampton fought, even threatened, however as soon as once more, it was Arsenal who confirmed the larger edge when it mattered most.
Farewell and Frustration in Equal Measure
Kieran Tierney, making his closing Arsenal look earlier than his return to Celtic, opened the scoring on 43 minutes, capping a dominant first-half efficiency by the guests. The objective, calmly completed on the close to put up from Ben White’s low cross, got here after a flurry of Arsenal strain that ought to have yielded extra.
Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli all got here near extending the lead, however poor ending and impressed goalkeeping from Gavin Bazunu stored Southampton in contact.
Picture: IMAGO
Spirited Saints Present Combat
To their credit score, Southampton didn’t roll over. Already relegated and carrying the burden of an extended, painful marketing campaign, they discovered momentum early within the second half. Kamaldeen Sulemana’s runs on the counter added a directness that unsettled Arsenal, and it was from a nook, received after a shot from Jay Robinson, that Ross Stewart powered residence a header to degree the rating within the 56th minute.
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There was a shout for a penalty earlier within the half, waved away when Declan Rice dealt with beneath strain. A special day, a special referee, and maybe that second modifications every little thing. However Southampton, already consigned to Championship soccer subsequent season, didn’t get the rub.
Late Winner Displays Arsenal’s Depth
Arsenal’s second-half response was measured reasonably than frantic. Rice got here shut, denied solely by a goal-line clearance, whereas Saka had a objective dominated out for offside. Then got here the breakthrough: Odegaard, launched late on, discovered house simply contained in the field and completed low into the far nook along with his left foot. A captain’s objective — neat, composed, and decisive.
The win was extra symbolic than vital. Mikel Arteta’s aspect had lengthy since secured second, and for all their consistency, the title eluded them once more. But in moments like Odegaard’s winner, there are indicators of maturity and a squad constructing for one thing extra enduring.