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Former Premier League player Jamie Redknapp believes Arsenal’s latest draw at Southampton was a reality check for Mikel Arteta and his boys.
THE LOWDOWN: GALLANT ARSENAL
Arsenal have enjoyed a good amount of success this season. Mikel Arteta’s team have won nine of their opening 11 games of the Premier League this season.
All of that form and winning run came to a halt against Southampton on Sunday. However, the Gunners’ unbeaten run was still extended to eight games and they managed to hold onto the top spot for another match day.
THE LATEST: PUNDIT’S CLAIM
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Arsenal were given a “reality check” during their visit to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
It was just the second time the North London outfit will drop points this season, with their lead over Manchester City in the top spot now down to just two points.
Arsenal went into the lead through Granit Xhaka, but the hosts responded and pegged Arsenal back in the second half with Stuart Armstrong restoring parity midway through the second half.
Reacting after the game, Redknapp told Sky Sports: “They [Arsenal] played some great stuff, White and Saka linking up [in the build-up to the opener], Xhaka picking up positions in good areas. It’s a great finish, great movement, and it happened time and time again. Could it be two or three? But they ran out, it seemed to be a bit of a reality check for them.”
THE VERDICT: REALITY CHECK INDEED
Arsenal have struggled in recent games but the results have always overshadowed that. Sunday, however, was not going to end that way as the Saints intensified pressure.
The game is gone and the boys plus Arteta must find a way to stay focused and finish the final few games strongly before the World Cup break.
