Alexis Sanchez struck from close range in the 89th minute to clinch all three points for Arsenal

Published: December 4, 2014
By PAUL COWLING at the Emirates Stadium

Premier League
ARSENAL 1, SOUTHAMPTON 0

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger said he had “a big respect” for his team after watching them snatch a late win against Southampton tonight (Wednesday) at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexis Sanchez struck from close range in the 89th minute to earn the Gunners a much-needed 1-0 victory. But a resilient Saints side can feel hard done by as they only conceded after being reduced to 10 men after losing defender Toby Alderweireld to injury having already used all three substitutes. 

Wenger admitted it was “a difficult game”, praising the patience his players showed in getting the win.

“It was a victory for our patience and our intelligence,” said the Frenchman. “We were physically jaded and had to really dig deep to win the game.” 

“I have a big respect for the attitude of this team,” Wenger added. “The players just keep going, and will already be focusing on the next game.”

Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster had kept the Gunners at bay with a series of fine saves, denying Danny Welbeck and substitute Olivier Giroud. But he was powerless to prevent star signing Sanchez pouncing on Aaron Ramsey’s cross in the final minutes of the match.

Forster started his heroics in first-half stoppage time when he reacted well to turn Welbeck’s flicked header over the crossbar.

The hosts continued to struggle until the hour mark when Wenger introduced Giroud. The French striker immediately tested Forster with a snapshot, before finding Welbeck with a neat flick minutes later – only for Forster to again come to the Saints’ rescue with a fine one-handed save.

The England goalkeeper showed great athleticism again to claw away Giroud’s header but, just when it looked like the Saints would survive despite their numerical disadvantage, Sanchez made the breakthrough.

Wenger was quick to heap praise on the match-winner after the game. 

“Alexis had the desire to win us the game, and gave us something special,” said the Arsenal boss. “The impact he has on the team is fabulous.”

ARSENAL: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Giroud, 65), Cazorla, Sanchez, Welbeck (Podolski, 81).
Subs not used: Gibbs, Rosicky, Sanogo, Bellerin, Macey.
Attendance: 60,025.