The Gunners dominate Match
News
By Michael Lynch
December 30 2003
Frenchman Robert Pires managed to fire Arsene Wenger's strong Arsenal side to victory tonight against Southampton at St. Mary's; and Jens Lehman almost got in a scrap!
Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Manchester United to one point as Robert
Pires' strike gave them a comfortable 1-0 win at Southampton.
Arsene Wenger's side enjoyed almost total domination in their final game of 2003
and only some excellent goalkeeping from Antti Niemi kept the scoreline
respectable.
After defending well against Arsenal in the early 20 minutes, the Saints seemed to be ready to get into the match when Arsenal struck. Henry created it, setting Pires scampering away with a sublime pass. Pires took the ball in his stride and beat Niemi with ease.
It was little more than Arsenal deserved and they continued to dominate the match after the goal with Henry going close to doubling their advantage just before half time.
Henry came close to doubling the advantage six minutes after the restart, but saw a flashing 30-yard free-kick fly narrowly wide with Niemi rooted to the spot.
The visitors continued to dominate possession though failed to create the clear-cut chances their obvious superiority merited, and Southampton enjoyed their best period of pressure in the final ten minutes without ever genuinely threatening a solid-looking Gunners rearguard.
There was a small controversial moment after the break with Jens Lehman throwing the ball at Kevin Phillips after the game ended. There was no punishment.
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| REFEREE | |
| Steve Dunn (Bristol) | |
| ATTENDANCE | |
| 32,151 | |
| SOUTHAMPTON | |
| Antti Niemi |  |
| Chris Baird | |
| Darren Kenton 59 | |
| Danny Higginbotham | |
| Fitz Hall | |
| Michael Svensson | |
| Rory Delap | |
| David Prutton | |
| Paul Telfer | |
| Neil McCann 79 |  |
| Leandre Griffit | |
| Brett Ormerod 58 | |
| James Beattie | |
| Kevin Phillips | |
| SUBS NOT USED | |
| Paul Jones | |
| Chris Marsden | |
| ARSENAL | |
| Jens Lehmann | |
| Kolo Toure | |
| Sol Campbell | |
| Pascal Cygan | |
| Gael Clichy | |
| Fredrik Ljungberg | |
| Edu 74 | |
| Ray Parlour | |
| Patrick Vieira | |
| Robert Pires | |
| Lauren 88 | |
| Dennis Bergkamp | |
| Kanu 74 | |
| Thierry Henry | |
| SUBS NOT USED | |
| Graham Stack | |
| Martin Keown | |
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