Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud were on target as Arsenal won 2-0 at Southampton on Wednesday to move up to fifth in the Premier League and fuel their hopes of a late push for the top four.
Sanchez broke the deadlock in the 60th minute of what had been a cagey game, selling the Saints defence a dummy before finishing left-footed for his 20th goal of the season, before Giroud headed a second with seven minutes remaining.
It was a fairly dismal evening for a Southampton side who had drawn their previous two games 0-0 and mustered few chances in another largely toothless display.
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Arsenal moved above Manchester United into fifth on 66 points, three adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City with both having played 35 games. Arsene Wenger’s side will also hope to reel in Liverpool, who have 70 points from 36.
For a long time it looked as if Arsenal would be frustrated by a resolute Southampton defence, while Petr Cech was the busier goalkeeper in the first half, making good saves to deny Manolo Gabbiadini and Nathan Redmond.
{{/usCountry}}For a long time it looked as if Arsenal would be frustrated by a resolute Southampton defence, while Petr Cech was the busier goalkeeper in the first half, making good saves to deny Manolo Gabbiadini and Nathan Redmond.
{{/usCountry}}Yet Sanchez became an increasingly pivotal figure after the break and opened the scoring with a fine piece of individual skill before playing a role in the second goal, crossing for Aaron Ramsey, who looped it up for Giroud to head in.
It was a pleasing night for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side have hit form at the right time, following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over top-four rivals Manchester United.
“The whole team was dynamic, focused and showed a convincing desire to win the game,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the BBC.
Saints boss Claude Puel, however, was left to ponder his side’s lack of a cutting edge.
“It’s often the same against the big six,” he said. “We cannot find a win. Every time we play good quality football with chances but without the clinical edge and it’s harsh on the players.”