Southampton vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Stewart 56’; Tierney 43’, Odegaard 90’

Arsenal secured a second-place finish in the Premier League by edging relegated Southampton 2-1 at St. Mary’s, extending their outstanding run of victories on the final day of league campaigns to 14 straight seasons. A last-gasp strike from captain Martin Ødegaard sealed the win after the hosts had levelled in the second half.

First Half – Tierney Signs Off in Style

With new Southampton manager Will Still watching from the stands, the Gunners made a lively start as Gabriel Martinelli forced Aaron Ramsdale into a smart save just two minutes in. Arsenal dominated early proceedings and nearly found the opener when Mikel Merino’s glancing header clipped the top of the bar from a Martinelli cross.

Thomas Partey tested Ramsdale from distance, and Martinelli again came close before the breakthrough finally arrived just before the interval. Ben White delivered a low cross into the area and Kieran Tierney, playing his final game for the club, made no mistake from close range to give Arsenal a deserved lead. The Scottish left-back’s celebration reflected the significance of the moment as he bowed out with his first league goal of the campaign.

Kamaldeen Sulemana remained Southampton’s brightest threat on the break, but the hosts failed to test David Raya in the opening 45 minutes.

Second Half – Saints Bite Back Before Captain Strikes

Ethan Nwaneri nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead early in the second period, but Ramsdale was again alert to push his effort away. Just minutes later, Southampton struck back. Jay Robinson forced a save from Raya at the near post, and from the resulting corner, Ross Stewart powered a header into the top corner to equalise – the Scotsman’s first goal of the campaign.

Arsenal regrouped and continued to press, with Bukayo Saka heading into the net midway through the half, only for the offside flag to deny him. Ramsdale remained busy, making a further save from Ødegaard, but the Norwegian would not be kept out for long.

With just minutes remaining, Ødegaard picked up the ball outside the area, took a touch, and lashed a low effort into the bottom corner past his former teammate to restore Arsenal’s lead in sensational fashion.

Conclusion – Gunners Finish Strong, Saints Sink Further

Arsenal’s victory sees them secure back-to-back top-two finishes for the first time since 2005, with their 24th final-day win in the Premier League setting a new top-flight record. They also finish the season with the best away record in the division.

Southampton, meanwhile, end their campaign with a 30th league defeat – a record in Premier League history – as they prepare for a summer of rebuilding under incoming manager Will Still. Despite flashes of promise from some of their younger players, the Saints were ultimately outclassed by a determined Arsenal side bidding farewell to one of their long-serving stars in Tierney.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Southampton v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League