Although we know that the EFL cup is not very high on the Arsenal manager’s list of priorities and he does the same thing with rotasting the squad every season, it was still a bit disappointing to see Arsene Wenger make 10 changes to the team for this quarter-final against Southampton.
We certainly paid the price, although the fact thgat only one of the 11 to keep his place, Mohamed Elneny, did not last for much of the first half adding to our injury problems and perhaps showing why the boss was not able to field a strong enough team to cope with a well organised and determined Saints side.
THere was a bit of fortune to their opener as a deflection sent Martinez the wrong way and fell perfectly for Clasie but it was a good hit and they were the better team. When they doubled their lead through a shot into the corner from Bertrand we were in deep trouble before the break.
Arsenal did rally and were better in the second half but our attacks did not quite come off and too many players like Ramsey had an off night. Lucas struggled to get into the game but was not well supplied and the totally changed defence looked vulnerable.
Arsenal were just not good enough and paid the ultimate price of another exit from this competition which Wenger has never won.
Bob.