Odegaard late show seals strong finish for Arsenal
Martin Odegaard scored an 89th-minute thunderbolt to help Arsenal end its Premier League campaign on a high, sealing a 2-1 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Kieran Tierney, making his final appearance for Arsenal ahead of his return to boyhood club Celtic, gave the Gunners faithful a fitting farewell, breaking the deadlock just before half-time with a clever finish at the near post from Ben White’s low cross.
Gabriel Martinelli twice set up Mikel Merino with pinpoint crosses from the left wing, but the Spaniard failed to test Aaron Ramsdale from close range.
Despite seeing more of the ball, Arsenal failed to extend its advantage and Southampton struck back after the break, courtesy of a towering Ross Stewart header in the 56th minute.
The Saints were much improved in the second half but had to dig deep to resist Arsenal's pressure, with Charlie Taylor blocking a powerful effort from Oleksandr Zinchenko before Bukayo Saka saw a goal ruled out for offside.
With the match ebbing towards a draw, Odegaard rifled home from 25 yards out to ensure the Gunners signed off with a win that saw them keep hold of second place.
Arsenal end the season with 72 points, one place ahead of Manchester City, while Southampton finished 10 points adrift at the bottom.
