Arsenal claim victory in pre-season clash against Southampton | OneFootball

Arsenal recorded a 3-0 victory over Southampton in their latest pre-season friendly at St Mary’s Stadium this afternoon.

A dominant Gunners side ran out comfortable winners against their second tier opponents in front of a healthy crowd of 5,379 on the South Coast.

Kyra Cooney-Cross opened the scoring for Arsenal in the first half before Laia Codina’s second half brace gave Jonas Eidevall’s side a 3-0 advantage.

Arsenal wasted no time in asserting their dominance, creating early pressure and a promising chance within the first five minutes. Southampton keeper Benedicte Haaland produced a quick reaction save from Alessia Russo’s close range effort and it was clear that The Gunners were in control from the start.

Just before the half-hour mark, Cooney-Cross opened the scoring for the visitors. After Russo’s effort wasn’t cleared, the Australian international hit the ball from outside of the box and her shot flew past Haaland, giving the midfielder her first Arsenal goal.

Arsenal continued to apply pressure before the break. Russo registered another shot which the Southampton defence blocked. The visitors came again with a series of corners, all of which were defended by the hosts.

After a strong first half, Arsenal began the second 45 minutes with a significantly altered line-up, The Gunners making nine changes. This fresh approach allowed them to maintain their attacking pressure on The Saints.

One of the substitutes, Rosa Kafaji, saw a powerful shot graze the crossbar as she was cruelly denied a goal.

Arsenal’s advantage was finally doubled in the 65th minute. Viv Lia’s free-kick was headed in by second half substitute Codina.

Five minutes later, Codina scored her second goal. After Southampton conceded a corner, the ball dropped to the defender and she turned it into the net from close range.

Arsenal went in search of a fourth goal with Michelle Agyemang going close but her shot was stopped by Haaland as the game ended 3-0.

Southampton will now turn their attention towards next Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Championship opener against Bristol City at St Mary’s Stadium while Arsenal face a midweek UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 1 semi-final tie against Rangers at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park.