Southampton’s Premier League Farewell Ends in Defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

Odegaard Strike Sinks Southampton on Historic Premier League Farewell

Martin Odegaard’s 89th-minute winner consigned Southampton to a grim piece of Premier League history, suffering their 30th defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss to second-placed Arsenal. The result confirmed nothing new in terms of table placement — Arsenal settled in behind champions Liverpool, while Southampton bowed out at the foot of the division — but it marked a fittingly tense end to two contrasting campaigns.

Southampton fought, even threatened, but once again, it was Arsenal who showed the greater edge when it mattered most.

Farewell and Frustration in Equal Measure

Kieran Tierney, making his final Arsenal appearance before his return to Celtic, opened the scoring on 43 minutes, capping a dominant first-half performance by the visitors. The goal, calmly finished at the near post from Ben White’s low cross, came after a flurry of Arsenal pressure that should have yielded more.

Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli all came close to extending the lead, but poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Gavin Bazunu kept Southampton in touch.

Photo: IMAGO

Spirited Saints Show Fight

To their credit, Southampton didn’t roll over. Already relegated and carrying the burden of a long, painful campaign, they found momentum early in the second half. Kamaldeen Sulemana’s runs on the counter added a directness that unsettled Arsenal, and it was from a corner, won after a shot from Jay Robinson, that Ross Stewart powered home a header to level the score in the 56th minute.

There was a shout for a penalty earlier in the half, waved away when Declan Rice handled under pressure. A different day, a different referee, and perhaps that moment changes everything. But Southampton, already consigned to Championship football next season, didn’t get the rub.

Late Winner Reflects Arsenal’s Depth

Arsenal’s second-half response was measured rather than frantic. Rice came close, denied only by a goal-line clearance, while Saka had a goal ruled out for offside. Then came the breakthrough: Odegaard, introduced late on, found space just inside the box and finished low into the far corner with his left foot. A captain’s goal — neat, composed, and decisive.

The win was more symbolic than significant. Mikel Arteta’s side had long since secured second, and for all their consistency, the title eluded them again. Yet in moments like Odegaard’s winner, there are signs of maturity and a squad building for something more enduring.