Mikel Arteta says Southampton had a player in their ranks who was 'exceptional' against his Arsenal team today

By Lee Connor

Arsenal lost out once again in Premier League action today, this time at the hands of Southampton, who came back from their hammering at the hands of Chelsea to see off the Gunners.

A goal from Jan Bednarek was enough for the Saints to take a much-needed three points and put a big dent in the hopes of Arsenal’s top four hopes. It was the nightmare result for the Gunners, who had seen closest challengers, Spurs, lose to Brighton earlier in the day.

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, there was plenty to ponder again as his side struggled to take chances and once again conceded at a bad time. However, the Spaniard did take note of Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, and gave the Saints stopper a knowing nod in his post-match presser.

“They had an exceptional goalkeeper today, and as well we didn’t have enough quality and enough capacity to break them down when we had the numbers and the situations to do so,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.

Forster has played his way back into form this season and some are even suggesting he might be in line to take a place in the England squad soon. For Arteta and his own goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, the search to rediscover the form from earlier in 2022 goes on.

TBR’s View: Arsenal Need To Do Better But Forster Proving His Worth

Arsenal should have performed better today, there is no doubt. They were slow out of the blocks and allowed Southampton to get a foothold in the game and then, ultimately, get the winner.

The Gunners did have plenty of shots – 23 in total – but couldn’t find a way past Forster. The former Celtic man has been excellent with Southampton, and proved it today.