Southampton's Forster denies Arsenal

Arsenal’s title ambitions hit another rock on Tuesday night as Fraser Forster refused to be beaten at the Emirates

Forster made numerous saves to ensure Arsenal would pick up just one point against Ronald Koeman’s men.

Chances were not abundant in the first-half thanks to a Southampton defence hell bent on keeping a cleansheet.

The rigid nature of their back four was gleefully aided by Oriel Romeu and Victor Wanyama who created a solid wall in front of their colleagues, rarely risking a venture forward.

In addition to the strength in their deepest six players, Forster showed his worth as he continued his comeback from ten months out, twice repelling Mesut Ozil before the break.

Fraser Forster was on form. Credit: PA

Firstly, Ozil took down a long pass before hitting a soft shot at the keeper. On the second occasion the German tried to jab the ball home from close range but Forster spread himself to save his team.

Arsenal were short on ideas to break down as Ozil was not at his creative nor clinical best, Alexis Sanchez looked short of confidence and dynamism, while Joel Campbell struggled to get a foothold in the game on the right-hand side.

Southampton played on the counter as the hosts dominated possession throughout. Shane Long and Sadio Mane both had the pace to cause problems to Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny but rarely the opportunity to do so.

Mane had Southampton’s best chance when put through on goal but buckled under defensive pressure, as he could only slide the ball wide.