Arsenal 0 Southampton 0

Today was ultimately a very frustrating game which saw us not take advantage of our position to stay within close reach of the top of the league. After 90+ minutes of awful finishing, we ended the game at a solemn 0-0, to a Southampton side who were average.

The first half was quite lackluster and flat. We didn't create all that much, but we still had most of the possession. Our first real chance of the game was when Ozil was right in front of goal but hit his shot right at the keeper, something which we would go on to do quite often.

We had our only other chance with some great link up play from Alexis and Campbell, but the shot was aimed right at the keeper, yet again.

Southampton were very physical, and got away with a lot, thanks to some poor refereeing from Lee Mason. They also usually press teams when they're on the ball, and they did that decently during the first half while staying organized.

What was so frustrating during this half, and during the whole game was our non-existent midfield. With Ramsey and Flamini, there is no smooth transition between our defense and attack. The amount of times that we've started a great move or counter, and we've had the ball played backwards, having to start again and giving them the opportunity to regroup.

The second half was a turn around and it seemed like we injected some energy and desire within the squad. We had a quick start and probably could've put the game to bed. Forster came out with some great saves and stops, but ultimately we should be doing better if we are to be winning these games.

We were dominating more than before, and the only thing they could do to us is push us around. There were two times though when Mane was through on goal, but we did enough to keep him from scoring.

Theo came on for Campbell with 30 minutes to go, and he didn't offer anything and also missing a good chance. Flamini came off for Coquelin at the end of the match, which was probably to make sure that we held on to our 0-0.

The new year has not been welcoming to us in terms of being productive in the league as we've earned and incredible 5/15 points since our game against Newcastle. We have to make up a large amount of ground, or else it will be too late. It's always a shame when one day in December you've beaten Man City, and then you go on a very unconvincing run, letting a trail of points fall behind you.

It's still anyone's league, but we have to kick-start our season against Bournemouth or things are going to get harder and harder as our upcoming fixtures are tricky. At least we've got more players back- especially Coquelin, very tired of seeing Flamini in the starting line-up.