Arsenal 2 - 2 Southampton

Van Persie rescues point for Arsenal, saves Gunners from embarrassment

Arsenal, seemingly still re-grouping after the debacle that was last’s weeks match at ManUre, struggled to take control of today’s match against Southampton, and it cost them two points.

The Gunners missed an early opportunity to assert their dominance when Thierry Henry’s penalty about 30 minutes into the match hit the post and was cleared out of play. While TiTi did put Arsenal ahead in the 67th, they just never did seem to control the match.

Sol Campbell’s abscence through injury loomed large, as Southampton scored twice within five minutes late in the match. Rory Delap beat Pascal Cygan in the air in the 80th minute, and again in the 85th to put the Gunners in danger of losing their second league game in as many matches - this after a having previously gone forty-nine games without defeat!

Step in super-sub Robin Van Persie. Deep into stoppage time, the Dutch youngster twisted and turned his way through the Southampton defense, and then sent a beautiful curling shot into the corner of the net to pull the Gunners even. He almost added a winner seconds later, but alas time had run out.

Next up for Arsenal, Champions League action against Panathanaikos at home on Tuesday afternoon. A win is an absolute must. Kickoff is 2:45 PM ET, so make sure you vote early!