Mikel Arteta breathed a sigh of relief after his 10 Arsenal earned a valuable spot at home to be fit in Southampton on Wednesday.
The Gunners’ boss was under pressure amid a series of daunting results, but saw his appearance fight for the purpose of earning a percentage of the loot.
Former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott appeared to have started a heartbreaking night for his former club, shooting Benrd Leno in the 18th minute after a quick getaway.
Arteta needed a reaction from her players, and received one when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored her first open play purpose in 11 games to match.
But Arsenal had a nervous ending after scrubber Gabriel got rid of Walcott to get his reservation for now and let his team fight a guy minus the last hour.
Here are Darren Lewis’ notes in The Emirates.
Leno 6
Could I have made it bigger for Walcott’s first game?
Tierney 6
Walcott lurking on the right.
Gabriel 5
Error at the end of the first half. No wonder expelled at the time by two yellows.
Hold 7
The bad luck of seeing his head overdue hit the crossbar
Maitland-Niles 6
Solid without being catchy. A decent change.
Pepe 6
He probably would have had more time than I thought for his 42-minute shot.
Elneny 7
More power at the time departed when Arsenal discovered a back.
Ceballos 6
Stupid yellow card from the first part for dissenting. Decent shot in the 28th minute.
Saka 8
He made an early shot but recovered to shape Arsenal’s opportunities, adding the goal.
Aubameyang 8
Go back to the old regime with a very good end to finish your dry goal.
Nketiah 6
Micro-managed the game through Arteta but it was in vain.
Submarines:
Luiz for Nketiah (65) 7
Willock for Ceballos (67) 7
Cedric for Pepe (83)
McCarthy 7
Quick reactions to prevent Saka’s efforts from being returned through Bednarek.
Walker-Peters 5
A difficult night opposed to Saka’s races and the Aubameyang movement.
Vestergaard 7
Always a risk in detained shots and rightly confronted with Arsenal’s attack.
Bednarek 6
He breathed a sigh of relief when McCarthy prevented him from scoring an opposing goal on his side.
Bertrand 6
Reserved for a tasty challenge in Pepe’s cavado.
Armstrong 6
Sometimes too slow for the ball at harmful times.
Romeu 8
Great ball for Redmond’s fate that has stayed away.
Ward-Prowse 8
Then with his interceptions to prevent Arsenal’s attacks.
Walcott 8
It was evident that I had been hungry that night. Finish taking it.
Adams 7
The best leaf for Walcott and Ings, Good way to the ball for the goal.
Ings. 6
Desperate to appear on the adjustment sheet, but enough in the game.
Submarines:
Redmond for Armstrong (63) 7
Djenepo for Walcott (63) 7