Rising Star's Home Debut
"Arsenal scored first from a corner kick. The current situation of the game is more difficult for Southampton. If they want to score, they must press forward. However, pressing forward to attack at the Emirates Stadium will obviously give Arsenal more space," the commentators observed as the game resumed.
Indeed, Southampton's chances of scoring on the road diminished after conceding the first goal. Wenger didn't return to the coaching bench after the goal, fully aware of the dynamics at play.
Arsenal's midfield, in a butterfly formation, had Arteta and Diaby in the middle. Arteta controlled the offensive rhythm, while Diaby provided protection and connection. Walcott started on the right, utilizing his speed alongside right-back Jenkinson for direct wing attacks. On the left, Monreal and Cazorla created a more intricate offensive style.
Giroud, though primarily a shooter, excelled in controlling high balls, protecting possession, and acting as a connector. Louis, positioned at the front, posed a constant threat, forcing defenders to focus on him and creating more space for Arsenal's midfield and front line.
In this system, every player maximized their strengths, resulting in a cohesive and potent attack.
Southampton aimed to fight back after conceding but struggled under Arsenal's pressure. Their attempts to counterattack were sloppy, often resorting to long passes that were easily intercepted by Arsenal's midfield.
"The game has fallen into Arsenal's rhythm. Southampton can only shrink their formation to avoid being penetrated by Arsenal's midfielders," commented Andy Gray.
Arsenal continued to dominate. Arteta distributed the ball to the wing, where Cazorla and Monreal combined elegantly. A pass from Cazorla to Monreal led to a cross into the box. Giroud's clever flick found Louis, who shot but was brilliantly saved by Southampton goalkeeper Davies.
"Louis almost scored twice!" Gray exclaimed. "Corner kick! Arsenal's corner kick comes again!"
Southampton launched a counterattack after clearing the corner, but Arsenal quickly regained control. Arteta intercepted and passed diagonally to Walcott, whose speed left the defenders behind. Walcott's pass, though too fast, was pursued by Louis with an incredible burst of speed.
"Louis!!!" exclaimed the commentators as he flew towards the ball.
Southampton's defense, compressed like a spring, tried to react. Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, expecting the ball to go out, was caught off guard as Louis made a flying shovel to redirect the ball into the net. Despite a fingertip touch from Davis, the ball found the back of the net.
"The ball went in! Two to zero!" Gray shouted. "Louis's speed is back! He was known for his speed, and he's shown it again!"
The commentators praised Louis's starting speed, noting how he outpaced Fuchs, a fast defender. Arsenal fans erupted in cheers, chanting his name as Louis pointed at Walcott, both laughing and hugging.
"You're so fast!" Walcott exclaimed.
"I used to be a speed player. I can't lose to your speed," Louis replied, grinning.
"Holy cow! You just flew out like a little rocket!"
The Arsenal players celebrated with Louis, ruffling his hair and patting his back, while the fans chanted his name.
"Two goals in the third game in a row!" Andy Gray marveled. "He is simply a gifted scorer."
Martin Key added, "You say so, Gary."
Gary Neville, looking slightly uncomfortable, muttered, "Ah, yes, yes."
The match continued, but the spotlight remained firmly on Louis, whose performance was now cementing his reputation as a rising star.
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