The Southampton players, Virgil van Dijk such a towering presence in their number, were saluting a giddy travelling support long after the final whistle here. “Disappointing” was his verdict of the whole occasion, with the home support making clear their disgust at half-time and full-time. The Dutch international instinctively belted the loose ball into the corner with glee to register a first goal for the club. “We were clinical in that half, two chances and two goals, and I like this,” muttered Puel through a smile. The best Arsenal managed all night was arguably the England international’s dreadful attempt from Granit Xhaka’s clever touch, the ball arcing horribly over the bar.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2016 21:45 UTC