Southampton v Arsenal | Premier League | Match Highlights
Southampton v Arsenal
On a crisp Sunday afternoon at St. Mary’s Stadium, Arsenal concluded their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over relegated Southampton, thanks to a late strike from captain Martin Odegaard. The win not only secured second place in the Premier League for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners but also etched their name into the history books, as they set a new record for the most consecutive final-day matches won, surpassing Liverpool’s mark from 1924 with an impressive 14th straight triumph. For Southampton, the defeat capped a dismal season that saw them finish rock-bottom with just 12 points, though the arrival of new head coach Will Still offered a glimmer of hope for their Championship campaign ahead. The match was a microcosm of Arsenal’s season—moments of frustration overcome by resilience and quality—while Southampton’s spirited display, despite their inevitable relegation, hinted at the potential for a brighter future under new management. As the final whistle blew, both sides could reflect on a season of contrasting fortunes, with Arsenal looking to build on their near-perfect campaign and Southampton preparing for a rebuild in the second tier.
The game began with Arsenal, already assured of at least a point to confirm their second-place finish, playing with the confidence of a team that had been a formidable force throughout the season. Mikel Arteta, whose meticulous approach had transformed Arsenal into genuine title contenders, urged his players to end the campaign on a high, particularly with the transfer window looming. However, the Gunners found themselves frustrated in the first half by a resolute Southampton side, buoyed by the pre-match introduction of Will Still, whose appointment had injected a sense of optimism among the home fans. Arsenal’s attacking intent was clear, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted. Mikel Merino, the versatile midfielder, came closest to breaking the deadlock when he rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike from distance, the ball cannoning back into play as the Southampton faithful held their breath. Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli, whose pace and trickery had tormented defenses all season, found himself through on goal after a precise through-ball from Declan Rice. However, former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, now a Southampton stalwart, stood tall, denying Martinelli in a one-on-one situation with a sharp save that drew applause from the home crowd. The first half ended goalless, with Arsenal dominating possession but lacking the clinical edge needed to breach Southampton’s determined defense.
The second half saw Southampton, despite their lowly position, come out with renewed vigor, inspired by Still’s halftime team talk and the energy of their debutant, Jay Robinson. The young forward, making his first Premier League start, nearly stunned Arsenal early in the half when he unleashed a fierce near-post drive that tested David Raya’s reflexes. Raya, who would later share the Golden Glove award with Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels for their 13 clean sheets, parried the shot, but Southampton capitalized on the resulting corner. Ross Stewart, the towering striker who had endured a long injury layoff, rose highest to meet a pinpoint delivery, heading the ball into the net from close range for his first goal since January 2023. The equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the Southampton fans, who, despite their team’s relegation, appreciated the moment of defiance against one of the league’s heavyweights. For Arsenal, the goal was a wake-up call, exposing a rare lapse in concentration in an otherwise stellar defensive campaign. Arteta, pacing the touchline, urged his players to regroup, knowing that their record-breaking ambitions and second-place finish were at stake.
Arsenal’s response was immediate and relentless, as they pushed for a winner with the intensity that had defined their season. Martinelli, determined to make amends for his earlier miss, saw a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Southampton’s Yuki Sugawara, whose defensive heroics epitomized the hosts’ resilience. Substitute Bukayo Saka, introduced to inject fresh energy, thought he had restored Arsenal’s lead when he latched onto a rebound, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside call following a VAR review. The decision frustrated the Arsenal faithful, who had traveled in numbers to support their team’s final outing. Declan Rice, the midfield linchpin, also came close, forcing another fine save from Ramsdale, who was determined to prove a point against his former club. The match seemed destined for a draw, which would have been enough to secure Arsenal’s second-place finish, but the Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, had other ideas. In the 88th minute, Odegaard combined beautifully with fellow substitute Leandro Trossard, exchanging a series of quick passes that carved open Southampton’s tiring defense. The Norwegian, with his trademark composure, rifled a low shot into the bottom corner, sparking scenes of jubilation among the Arsenal players and fans. The goal not only secured the victory but also cemented Arsenal’s place in history, as their 14th consecutive final-day win broke a record that had stood for over a century.
The victory was a fitting end to a season in which Arsenal had pushed the champions to the wire, finishing with a flourish that highlighted their growth under Arteta’s stewardship. The Spaniard, who has transformed Arsenal into a cohesive and dynamic unit, took a moment post-match to reflect on the contributions of Mikel Merino, who was playing his final game before departing the club. “A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me,” Arteta said, acknowledging Merino’s impact during his time at Arsenal, despite a brief stint at Real Sociedad earlier in his career. “A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him.” Arteta’s words underscored the camaraderie within the squad, a key factor in Arsenal’s success, as they finished the season with a points tally that would have won the title in many previous campaigns. The record-breaking final-day streak, while not a trophy, was a testament to the consistency and mentality that Arteta has instilled, setting the stage for an ambitious transfer window aimed at closing the gap to the champions.
For Southampton, the defeat was a bitter but not unexpected end to a season that had unraveled long before the final whistle. Finishing with just 12 points, the Saints were relegated to the Championship, a stark contrast to their proud history in the top flight. However, the performance against Arsenal, particularly the contributions of Stewart and debutant Robinson, offered hope for the future under Will Still’s guidance. The new head coach, known for his progressive tactics and ability to develop young talent, will have his work cut out in the Championship, but the signs of fight and quality in this final match suggest that Southampton could return stronger. The home fans, while disappointed with the result, applauded their team’s effort, recognizing that the focus now shifts to rebuilding and aiming for promotion in the 2025-26 season.
As Arsenal celebrated their victory and their historic achievement, the contrast between the two sides was stark. Arsenal’s players, led by the talismanic Odegaard, left the pitch to a chorus of cheers from their supporters, their second-place finish a platform to build on for the next campaign. Southampton, meanwhile, faced the reality of relegation but could take solace in the promise shown under Still’s early influence. The match, while not altering the final standings significantly, encapsulated the narratives of both clubs—Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of excellence and Southampton’s determination to rise from the ashes. As the transfer window beckons, Arsenal will look to strengthen their squad to mount a serious title challenge, while Southampton will focus on restructuring for a swift return to the Premier League. For now, though, the final-day drama at St. Mary’s served as a reminder of football’s capacity to inspire, entertain, and set the stage for new beginnings.
