- Martin Odegaard stepped up to show his worth in front of Arsenal’s top brass
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Having seen Declan Rice take the captain’s armband, substitute Martin Odegaard had a point to prove.
Questions have long been swirling about his recent performances in comparison to Rice, who has risen in the ranks in regards to performance and leadership standing.
The Norwegian emerged from the bench to strike Arsenal’s winner late on and end their campaign with a win in front of the top brass.
The goal was a neat move, jinking on to his left foot to strike from outside the area on 89 minutes.
Mikel Arteta, serving a touchline ban, was sat next to co-chair Josh Kroenke in the director’s box.
After this performance against an already relegated Southampton, the need for attacking firepower this summer will have been etched further in the mind of Kroenke. It’s the first time the Gunners have ended a league campaign without any players scoring 10 or more goals since the 1923-24 season.
Martin Odegaard came on with a point to prove and scored in front of the club’s top brass
Kieran Tierney scored in what is likely his Arsenal farewell as they beat Southampton 2-1
Ross Stewart got on the scoresheet but Southampton’s top-flight stay ended with a whimper
Afterwards, Arteta claimed he already has ‘goosebumps’ about next season.
He said: ‘Tomorrow we already have some things that we are discussing and making decisions (for next season).
‘The moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement. And this is a really good sign always.’
A nostalgic point for the visitors was Kieran Tierney’s first-half goal on 43 minutes, steering home Ben White’s low cross at the front post.
The 27-year-old looked in shock after scoring on his final appearance for the Gunners, the defender set to join Celtic this summer.
It was a fitting moment for a player who joined Arsenal in August 2019 and has been a loyal player for Arteta over the years.
An hour before kick-off, Southampton announced Will Still as their new manager on a three-year deal and he was in the stands.
Arsenal made five changes to their line-up which included Bukayo Saka on the bench, and no Riccardo Calafiori in the squad.
Mikel Merino had a couple of headed chances early on, including one which crashed off the crossbar.
Southampton looked sprightly on the counter-attack through Kamaldeen Sulemana, who broke through on occasion and came close to scoring just before the break.
Yuki Sugawara’s long-range effort struck Declan Rice’s arm, but calls for a penalty were waved away by referee Darren Bond.
Arsenal have finished as runners-up in the Premier League for a third consecutive campaign
Mikel Arteta was confined to the stands with a touchline ban but still had occasion to smile
Southampton’s confirmed new manager Will Still took his seat with girlfriend Emma Saunders
The Saints struck through Ross Stewart’s header off a Mateus Fernandes corner after 56 minutes, before the Gunners eventually got their winner via Odegaard.
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season after beating Southampton 2-1.
Kieran Tierney signed off in style with a rare goal in what is likely his final game for the Gunners just before half-time.
Ross Stewart gave Southampton fans something to cheer as he nodded home an equaliser early in the second half.
But substitute Martin Odegaard had other ideas, as he restored Arsenal’s lead in the 89th minute to send Southampton to the Championship with a whimper.
