Southampton recorded their fourth consecutive game without conceding a goal as they left North London with a hard-earned point at Arsenal.

Manager Ronald Koeman admitted that the Saints rode their luck at times against the Gunners, but hailed his goalkeeper Fraser Forster after he made a string of excellent saves to keep the match level.

Koeman hails Forster 

“Arsenal were the better team and created better chances," Koeman admitted in his post-match interview. "But defensively we did a great job, Fraser did an amazing job.”

Nine months out of playing and coming back to show this kind of performance is great," he continued. "We are very happy he is back, he gives the team a boost.”

Arsenal the better team 

Forster made fantastic saves as the home side put Southampton under intense pressure. Mesut Özil and Theo Walcott both went close to breaking the deadlock, however the Saints keeper was up to the test and has looked in fine form since returning from a long-term knee injury.

Ronald Koeman shakes hands with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger | Photo: Sky Sports
Koeman admitted Arsenal were the better team (photo: Sky Sports)

Despite an inspired defensive and goalkeeping display, the Saints did have chances to perhaps steal a victory with chances for Dušan Tadić and Sadio Mané. However Koeman admitted he was frustrated with his side as they lacked quality when presented with attacking opportunities.

Our final pass was not good, we had one against one at times," the Dutchman bristled. "We had to create a little bit more.

Koeman went on to describe the result as "a lucky point", but noted that "sometimes you get more than you deserve".

Two positive away results 

The Saints have now taken four points from two tough away games, the other being the excellent victory against Manchester United.  

Southampton are now seventh in the Premier League and have been on an excellent run of form that has seen them silence their early-season critics. Changing their defensive formation to a back five has seen their form vastly improve and they now face a tough tie against West Ham at St Mary’s on Saturday.

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About the author
Ben Strange
Sports journalism at Southampton Solent University