Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third season running as they beat bottom of the table Southampton 2-1 at St.Mary’s. The Gunners thus completed their league engagements with a tally of 74 points from 38 games, ten behind eventual winners Liverpool.
Arsenal had the better of chances in the first half- Mikel Merino saw his header hit the bar while Gabriel Martinelli saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a former Arsenal player himself.
The Gunners however found the goal they were looking for in the 43rd minute, and it arrived through Kieran Tierney, who was playing his final game for the club ahead of a summer move to Celtic.
Southampton hit back ten minutes after the interval through Ross Stewart, who nodded home from a corner.
Mikel Arteta emptied his bench after the Saints goal and it was two of his substitutes who combined for their winner, with Leandro Trossard assisting Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian unleashed one from distance and Ramsdale was powerless to stop it going into the bottom corner.
Saints thus finished the league season with just 12 points. They will however have a new coach in the Championship next season in the form of Will Still, who arrives from Lens in France.
