Arsenal thrashed Southampton 6-1 at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho were sandwiched between two own goals by Jos Hooiveld and Nathaniel Clyne to make it 4-0 to the hosts after just 37 minutes.
Daniel Fox got a goal back just before the break, but Gervinho and Theo Walcott completed the rout in the second half.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.
Match Statistics:
Arsenal:
Shots: 23
On target: 9
Possession: 50%
Fouls: 4
Southampton:
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 50%
Fouls: 7
Was the result fair?
Yes. Southampton may feel hard done by given their second-half performance, but they were completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes. Their goal was a gift and they didn't deserve to go in at 4-1. They were much improved after the break, but still looked leaky in defence.
Arsenal's performance
Arsenal bossed the midfield. Mikel Arteta was allowed to run mainly unchecked in the first half as he pulled the strings. Lukas Podolski kept dropping deep to get involved in the action, while Gervinho stayed further forward. Santi Cazorla had another great game and Francis Coquelin did not look out of place. Kieran Gibbs bombed up and down the left like a man possessed, and he caused Southampton problems going forward all afternoon. There's no doubt that Steve Bould is having an effect on the Gunners' defence, as they looked solid when Southampton threatened in the second half.
Southampton's performance
It was a terrible first 45 minutes for the Saints. They looked lazy, like they just didn't want to be there. The supply chain to Rickie Lambert was non-existent. Balls were being played into the channels rather than up to his chest and he was never able to get on the end of them. However, the introduction of Gaston Ramirez after half time clearly had an effect. Instantly they looked more confident in possession, and managed to have a decent passage of play. Ramirez himself showed some early signs that he may be able to fulfill his price tag. Jason Puncheon had a decent second half as well, but in truth Southampton never really looked like scoring.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kieran Gibbs: It's very hard to choose just one player for Arsenal this afternoon, but I feel that Gibbs deserves it. Full-backs don't always get the plaudits, which is strange because it has become a more valued position in recent years. The 22-year-old was involved in a lot of what Arsenal did going forward this afternoon, but he was also strong in defence.
Biggest gaffe
Jos Hooiveld's own goal; you would want your defender to do better than bundle the ball into his own net from where he did, but this award goes to Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole dropped a cross while virtually unchallenged, allowing Daniel Fox to blot the Gunners' scoresheet for the first time this season.
Referee's performance
It seems that when I commentate on games, the referee has a quiet one. Long may it continue. Kevin Friend gave a good performance and the players did not give him any real reason to get involved.
What next?
Arsenal: The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium next Sunday to face Manchester City. They lost 1-0 there last season, but will arrive in good form.
Southampton: The Saints host Aston Villa on Saturday. It may be premature saying that it's a 'must win' game for Nigel Adkins's men, but you feel that three points against a divisional rival is vital.
