[ad_1]
THowever, here it cannot be denied that the visitors were superior. Southampton outscored Arsenal for most of the first half, which is another reflection of the good job Hasenhuttl is doing on the south coast. Walcott even said he felt “fear” within the ranks of Arsenal.
“We have shown what we have learned in the past and that is playing our game,” Hasenhuttl said. “The teams respect what we do and how we play.”
Of all the problems Arteta must tackle, his team’s fondness for red cards must surely be at the top of the list. As with Burnley on Sunday, when Granit Xhaka was sent off just as Arsenal began to dominate, Gabriel’s red card came just minutes after Aubameyang’s draw.
Since Arteta’s first game in charge on Boxing Day last year, Arsenal have received seven red cards, four more than any other team. “We shot ourselves in the foot,” Arteta said. “It is very difficult to compete in this league when you play such a long period with 10 men.”
There was a sense of inevitability about Walcott’s goal in the first half when he returned to his old club. He had already caused problems with his jerky movement before his measured and calm finish reminded Arsenal of what they used to have.
Clearly, Walcott has no time for quiet celebration against former teams, but walks away with undisguised delight. “Arsenal are in a difficult moment, but in the end it is disappointing to get a point,” he said. “It shows how far this club has come.”
[ad_2]
