Olivier Giroud came off the bench to earn a point for Arsenal, as they played out a 1-1 draw with Southampton at Saint Mary’s. Charlie Austin gave the home side an early lead in the first half, before Giroud equalised late on for the Gunners.
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Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi, was conspicuously missing against Southampton, having also missed the Europa League loss at Bate Borisov on Thursday.
Arsene Wenger’s side had just two of seven away games prior to kickoff, and found themselves a goal behind as early as the third minute, as Dusan Tadic’s through ball found Austin, who converted expertly past Petr Cech.
Manuel Pellegrino men continued to threatened the Gunners, coming close to extending their lead through Tadic, Nathan Redmond and Austin, who kit the post four minutes after his goal.
Despite Arsenal having majority of the possession, the Saints went into the break with Austin’s strike the difference.
Like the first half, Arsenal were in control after the break, with Southampton content to counter.
But with 20miutes left to play, on came Giroud for Alexandre Lacazette, as Wenger threw all he had on search of the elusive equaliser.
And two minutes from time, Giroud rewards his manager’s faith with a headed effort, which left Fraser Forster helpless, off an Alexis Sanchez cross, to rescue a point for the.
It was Giroud’s 17th goal as a substitute, which sees him equal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s record at Manchester United.
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Arsenal are now fifth on the table, level on points with Liverpool, who are up against Everton and ahead on goal difference.
