Arsenal’s 22-match unbeaten streak got snapped at the unlikely hands of Southampton who won the contest 3-2 at the St. Mary’s stadium on Sunday.
The North London club went ahead twice through Danny Ings but Henrikh Mkhitaryan equalised on both occasions.
But a howler from Bernd Leno was well pounced upon by Charlie Austin who scored to bring an end to a streak that was the Gunners’ best ever run since 2007.
Unai Emery’s men had last lost against Chelsea in the Premier League way back in August.
The Spaniard accepted the defensive woes Arsenal had and said that they needed to be stronger in that area.
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“We haven’t conceded a lot of chances but today they scored three goals. That is a lot so we need to improve with this.
“We need to do some analysis on how we can improve and do better. But our way is a good way and we need to continue.
“We need to continue taking responsibility for the 90 minutes.
“Southampton deserved the result because they pushed and played with big ambition.”
On the other hand, the scenes were pretty jubilant as Southampton won their first match in 15 games. This win also marked Ralph Hasenhuettl’s first win at home and as manager. No wonder he came up with his own celebrations when the final whistle was blown.
“It’s amazing what the team can do in a week. It was very intensive, we had time to work on the basics and built the fundamentals for our game,” Hasenhuettl said.
“I’m very proud of how focused and uncompromising they were, and when they had the chances, how merciless they were.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere and a special feeling here to win the match,” he said.