5 Best Southampton players after their 1-1 Arsenal draw

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Southampton led Arsenal for 85 minutes only to be pegged back at the last. A draw is a disappointment in context because their performance was superb. Who were their best players?

5. Fraser Forster

The giant Englishman kept his sheet clean for the majority of the game. And it wasn’t easy strolling too. Forster wasn’t asked to do too much by Southampton, but what he did have to do tended to be decisive. Forster was 2/2 on claiming crosses and made 5 saves, one which was a heat-stopping masterpiece to stop Arsenal equalising in the first half.

4. Dusan Tadic

Southampton’s Serbian star was in superb form against Arsenal. He was a leading figure as Saints were attacking in the first half and led the counter-attack well in the second. Tadic completed 4/4 dribbles for Southampton, won 2/2 tackles and created 4 chances; including the delicious reverse pass for Southampton’s opening goal.

3. Jack Stephens

The young defender was a surprise recall to the Southampton starting XI and totally justified his manager’s decision with a brilliant display at right-back. The 23 year-old put in an accomplished defensive display, winning 2/2 tackles, making 3 interceptions, completing 2/2 dribbles putting up 5 effective clearances.

2. Charlie Austin

Everyone knows Southampton lack goals, they can create but they find finishing hard. That was obvious against Arsenal as Saints had several chances to kill off their opponents yet failed to do so. Austin himself could have had a hat-trick before the 10 minute mark. But he did have one goal, a superb control and finish that for so long looked like a Southampton match-winner. He also ran the Southampton counter-attack with tireless enthusiasm for 85 minutes.

1. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Southampton’s Danish superstar was in phenomenal form against Arsenal. Hojbjerg was doing it all for Saints. He completed 54/58 passes (93%) at the base of midfield, more than any other Southampton player. He also added 3 interceptions and a game-high 8 clearances as his side played heavily on the counter-attack after taking their early lead. They succumbed to Arsenal’s pressure in the end, but it wasn’t because of Hojbjerg, who was class throughout.