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Southampton 0-2 Arsenal: Five things we learned as Gunners leapfrog Manchester United
EXPRESS SPORT brings you five things we learned as Arsenal beat Southampton.
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Mixed Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez became the first Arsenal player since Robin van Persie to score 20 league goals in a season with his second half goal.
But once again he was far from his best at the St Mary’s.
The Chilean was careless in possession and ill disciplined in his defensive work at times.
Sanchez still looks frustrated with life, which makes you wonder whether he will stay at the end of the season.
Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring
Excellent Holding
The young centre-back has had to be patient for his chances this season.
But the change in formation in recent weeks has given him an opportunity to stake his claim.
And he has taken it with both hands, showing maturity and quality and adding assurance to a shaky backline.
Pass master Xhaka
The Swiss midfielder has had critics this season.
But it appears his goal and all round performance against Manchester United on Sunday has boosted his confidence.
Tonight, Xhaka and Ramsey bossed the midfield and controlled the ball as the Saints sat deep and offered little threat.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Top four hopes boosted
The win now means Arsenal are three points off fourth place and they have a game in hand over Liverpool, who are in third.
Arsenal still need good fortune to earn a place in next season’s Champions League.
But so far, Arsenal are doing everything required by them.
Sterile possession
Despite the impressive display, Arsenal dominated the possession but failed to capitalise in the first half.
Stoke are likely to adopt similar tactics to Southampton on Saturday so Arsenal will need to be far more effective.
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