Arsenal Fan View: Three talking points from the win over Southampton

Arsenal made it six consecutive wins in all competitions as they came out 3-2 winners against Southampton. Here are the three main takeaways from the game:

Aubameyang is the striker Arsenal needed since 2012

After the departure of their Dutch captain to Manchester United, Arsenal have always looked bereft of a quality striker, one that can create something out of nothing or even come into to positions to poke home winners.

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Alexandre Lacazette was thought to be that striker when he arrived in the summer and scored within minutes of his debut. Quality he may be, he still lacks that killer instinct at times.

In Aubameyang, Arsenal have surely found that kind of forward. His goal on Sunday shows he has the know-how of class strikers who can score ugly when the game demands it.

Wilshere’s performance helps no-one

Another player who was in the ‘ugly’ zone today was a certain Englishman looking to squeeze his way to the World Cup. And no, I’m not talking about the erratic Danny Welbeck.

Jack Wilshere may have been on the pitch for only 30 minutes but he might as well have stayed on the bench. His entire showing today comprised of giving the ball away, fouls, misplacing headers, fouls and even dumber fouls.

It was his pull-back on Jack Stevens which started the fracas that got the former sent off, but also led to Elneny seeing red. The entire situation was very avoidable if he simply keeps his head.

While his English compatriot can be just as volatile in his behaviour, as of now, Welbeck has more chances of a seat on that WC plane than Wilshere.

English referees have no conviction whatsoever

Speaking of English footballing experts, one community you simply have to stop counting amongst them are the referees in the Premier League.

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Andre Marriner was largely lost in the game at the Emirates, missing quite a few decisions. The tackles were flying on both ends, and neither side was innocent – but Marriner’s stance was not to change. Until all hell broke loose.

The manner in which he was suppressed into sending off Elneny is laughable. The Saints players knew their player had lashed out and that Wilshere deserved no more than a booking by the law. But still, their persistence paid off and the Egyptian was sent-off for barely a push.

The officiating standards have been falling for years in the Premier League. What is surprising is how no-one seems to do anything about it, and yet complains why not a single referee from the ‘best league in the world’ makes it to the World Cup. Quite the mystery, eh?