Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton as Tierney exits in style and mysterious question answered

The Gunners sealed a win in their final match of the season as Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney's goals were enough to break a bad run of games at St Mary's and secure second place for a third season in a row.

Arsenal took the lead after what was, without a doubt, one of the worst halves of football we’ve seen all season. A wonderful moment for Tierney who found the net on his final match for the club, tapping in at the near-post from a Ben White cross.

However, their lead would be negated early in the second half as Ross Stewart headed past David Raya from a deep corner. In an attempt to win the game, Arsenal would bring on plenty of their main starters.

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And it would be one of those stars who would win the game for them. Odegaard from outside the box, striking hard and low, beating Aaron Ramsdale and showing everyone that he can indeed hit a ball pretty hard it turns out.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal side:

David Raya – Not tested at all in the first half and at the start of the second was alert to a corner kick, punching clear under pressure. Produced a very good save from Robinson but sadly it led to the corner which Stewart headed well beyond the Spaniard. After both he and Matz Sels conceded, they share the golden glove. 7

Thomas Partey – Playing in midfield in the final match of the season with his future still up in the air, Partey had a decent game pulling the strings. Moved to centre-half toward the end of the game and didn’t put a foot wrong there either. 7

Ben White – A less demanding role, perhaps, playing more centrally, White still had to drift into the wider areas at times. He still looks lacking in fitness but was sharper certainly and that showed in the assist for the opening goal which certainly will help his confidence, an overlapping run followed by the perfect cross. 7

Jakub Kiwior – Pivotal interception made by the Polish defender toward the end of the first half, sprinting back to prevent a Kamaldeen Sulemana one-on-one situation. Finally received a chant from the Arsenal fans and you have to say it has been deserved. 7

Kieran Tierney – On what was his final game for the Gunners, Tierney showcased a core asset that made him so loved at the club, his deliveries and of course, goals. A lovely and uncharacteristic right-foot finish at the near-post from the Scotsman. 8

Declan Rice – Couldn't find the rhythm he perhaps would have wanted in the game playing in his No.8 role in the first half. However, once the regular starters came on, you could see a real difference in his game. 7

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Found himself in midfield a lot of the time despite starting more so as a left-back and had a curling shot at the end of the first half deflected just wide of the post. He had the chance to win it blocked by his own player sadly as a shot in the box struck Merino. 7

Ethan Nwaneri – Lacked sharpness and perhaps despite the calls from fans to see more of him at the end of the season, the rawness in his game enlightened us to why his minutes have been limited. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Early headed chance inside the first couple of minutes was aimed straight at Ramsdale. Found with a great ball from Tierney and was one on one with Ramsdale but sadly couldn’t find the strike and the former Gunners keeper saved. 7

Raheem Sterling – The loan of Raheem Sterling will perhaps go down as one of the worst, sadly, despite his words upon his arrival that we would see the best of him. It is fair to say we have not and that was shown in the game. Outside of a deflected shot he looked lost and held onto the ball too long too many times. 5

Mikel Merino – In what was the best chance of the opening half of the first period, Mikel Merino leapt to reach a Gabriel Martinelli cross but could only find the crossbar. Otherwise he was quiet and moved into multiple roles throughout the game but mainly acted solely as a target man. 7

Substitutes:

Leandro Trossard – Moved initially into the middle before replacing Martinelli on the left. He did find the pass to Odegaard in what will be one of the easiest assists he will ever get. 7

Bukayo Saka – Had the ball in the back of the net but was sadly quite a way offside. Was impressive from the bench, involved in nearly every chance and build-up. 7

Kai Havertz – Making only his second appearance since returning from injury. He had a couple of aerial duels to contend with, but ultimately, there was little created for him. 6

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Coming on to replace Zinchenko at left-back. He looked much more senior perhaps than the man he replaced which is a testament to how much he has grown this season. 6

Martin Odegaard – Many will ask where that has been all season? A long shot from outside the box struck hard and low and beating Ramsdale to win it at the death. 8