So, two games against Southampton. And if you had to split them one win each, which would you have preferred to win?
Arsenal, with Arteta rotating heavily, went out of their FA Cup on Saturday following a fairly insipid performance. Hassenhuttl had picked his strongest side, and it was clear that the Managers were targetting different competitions. With Lacazette on the bench, and Aubameyang (for personal reasons) and Smith Rowe omitted completely, there was no doubt where Arteta's priorities lay. Which in many ways was disappointing, as we were Cup holders and one might have hoped for a less feeble defence of the trophy.
The hosts had far the best of the early exchanges, with good chances for Adams and Ings either side of their goal. For The Gunners, the returning Gabriel looked rusty - and conceded the unfortunate own goal that was the only difference between the sides on the day. If you go back far enough (just a few seconds), you'll note that Willian, dallying on the ball in the right back position as Southampton typically pressed hard, is dispossessed to set up the opportunity for Walker-Peters that the Brazilian deflected past Leno. And once, more, I'm afraid, the ex-Chelsea winger failed to impress at any time (barring a gorgeous cross-field ball to Pepe early on) in the game.
Pepe, also back in the starting line-up, worked pretty hard, but he does exasperate me - it's impossible to work out what he's trying to do a lot of the time. Martinelli also worked hard, as usual, but clearly needs more match time to get up to speed. The introduction of both Saka and Partey on the hour, and Laca shortly after, didn't quite do enough to turn the tide, although Arsenal were considerably better from that point. But, despite 62% possession, a grand total of just two shots on target tells its own story - one late one for Nketiah almost did the trick - and that was that.
So the pressure was on to ensure that the rotation paid off when Arsenal turned up back at St Mary's just three days later. Both Managers picked their strongest available teams, but the difference was that Arsenal's key players had had a rest - and that three of Southampton's first choice defence were missing.
And Arsenal should have been ahead in the very first minute. Xhaka intercepted a ball from Bednarek high up the pitch and immediately slid in Lacazette, who should have done better with a clear sight of goal but hit McCarthy's left knee instead. And it was clear almost straight away that we were seeing a slightly different Arsenal, with their high press mimicking Southampton's.
However, Southampton's first foray yielded the opening goal. A right wing cross led to a corner, and from that Pepe failed to mark Armstrong, and his half-volley from the edge of the box fairly flew past the diving Leno.
Thankfully, the lead didn't last long, as Xhaka once again intercepted a centre-back's (Stephens this time) pass forward on the high press, and immediately slid in Pepe. Some sleight of foot and the ball was in off the far post from 8 yards. A neat finish.
And for a little while it's like a game of basketball, with both sides attempting the 'full court press' and occasionally getting caught doing it. Chances at both ends, with Arsenal looking the more likely but Luiz committing his customary ' howler of the game' and fortunate to get away with it, until with 6 minutes until half time Lacazette's clever ball releases Saka, who beats McCarthy's mad rush out of his area to take it round him and poke it, although off balance and with his wrong foot, into the empty net. Poor from McCarthy, but quick thinking from Saka (as usual). And probably no less than Arsenal deserved, on balance.
A slightly quieter second half, with Southampton seeing a lot of the ball but doing little dangerous with it. Apart from a slalom-like run from Ings that was unfortunate to end up as a mere goal kick.
And then farce on 70 minutes, as Arsenal signal that Martinelli is to come on for Pepe, who trudges off slowly - there appears to be no rush as at the same time Smith Rowe is down injured. Ref Friend takes exception to the speed of Pepe's departure and books him, even though the game isn't ready to be restarted with ESR receiving treatment. And with ESR now having to be withdrawn Arteta changes the substitution completely, with Willian on for him and Pepe left on - so he's received a booking for leaving the pitch too slowly, yet is still on the pitch? Surely the yellow card should be rescinded?
And from the restart, Arsenal extend their lead. Cedric, who had a fine game as Tierney's replacement at left back, plays a glorious cross-field ball for Saka to race on to, and his first time cross across the 6-yard box - again with his wrong foot, finds the onrushing Lacazette who can barely miss. Breathing space, and pretty much game over - despite Luiz committing a second howler - this time a double one - before being bailed out by a combination of Holding and Leno.
Arteta should be delighted with this win, on the whole, as should we. We saw a slightly different Arsenal today, with the press - led by Lacazette and ESR - working extremely well and perhaps creating a blueprint for the future. If you can't beat them, join them - in the press, that is; look how well Liverpool do it, after all. And a second decent performance in a row from Pepe; let's hope that competition, and the fact that he'd lost his place in the side and was only back due to Auba's enforced absence, has taught him sufficient lesson about hard work and application.
So we must temper our disappointment at FA Cup elimination with grateful thanks for 16 Premier League points out of the last 18. Now let's hope that we continue this steady climb up the table, with Manchester United in Town next, and the opportunity for a rare 'double' over them on Saturday.
I'll be back with a 'Goodbye Mesut' special on Friday afternoon, and then again on Monday. Stay home, and safe, please, one and all.
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