Southampton podcast: Saints were ‘prepared for a result’ but made ‘brutal’ mistakes at Arsenal

Former Southampton striker Jo Tessem says Russell Martin’s side were “prepared for a result” in Saturday’s defeat arsenal but saw that individual mistakes were “brutally” punished.

The Saints took a 1-0 lead in the second half at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners equalized almost immediately and won 3-1.

“It’s the quality of the Premier League,” Tessem said on the Goin’ Home With Adam And Jo podcast.

“Small mistakes like the first goal when Flynn Downes misses the pass and Bukayo Saka catches it, the second touch from Kai Havertz who takes two touches and it’s a goal. That’s how brutal it is.”

“But I liked the way we lined up. The first half was probably one of the better halves we’ve had this season because we adjusted to playing football and getting a result rather than just having one style of football. That’s what’s important.” – You have to find ways to win.

“It’s a journey. First you have to withstand the pressure that Arsenal puts on you and defend for your life. The Saints did it and then Arsenal lost a little bit of pace, lost a little bit of motivation and the players got tired.”

“Then we scored through Cameron Archer and pretty much controlled the game, started playing football and creating space while Arsenal were a bit frustrated.”

“Then Flynn gave the ball away to Downes. That changed the game and then Mikel Arteta made three changes that made a huge impact.”

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds