Southampton vs Arsenal LIVE: Odegaard’s Late Strike Seals 2-1 Win as Gunners Secure Second Place Finish
St. Mary’s Stadium – May 26, 2025
Arsenal closed out their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Southampton, thanks to a late moment of brilliance from captain Martin Ødegaard. The victory guarantees the Gunners a second-place finish for the third season running, capping off a resilient campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Tierney Scores on Emotional Farewell
In what is expected to be his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt, Kieran Tierney opened the scoring just before halftime. The Scottish full-back, who has been a loyal servant to the club since his arrival in 2019, found himself on the end of a pinpoint Ben White cross and made no mistake, driving the ball into the net to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Tierney’s celebration was met with applause from both sets of fans, and the Arsenal bench rose in unison to honor the departing defender, whose commitment and professionalism have endeared him to supporters over the years.
Southampton Hit Back Early in Second Half
Southampton, despite already being relegated, showed admirable fight. Ross Stewart leveled the score early in the second half, pouncing on a poorly defended set-piece to head home and restore parity. The Saints continued to press, threatening to turn Arsenal’s final outing into a frustrating conclusion to an otherwise strong campaign.
Odegaard’s Moment of Magic
With time ticking away and Arsenal staring at a 15th league draw of the season, Ødegaard took matters into his own hands. The Norwegian playmaker received the ball just outside the box, ghosted past two Southampton defenders, and curled a sublime shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu rooted.
It was a captain’s contribution at a crucial moment, and one that summed up Ødegaard’s influential season — full of leadership, creativity, and clutch performances.
Final Whistle Reaction
At the final whistle, Arteta embraced his players, visibly proud of their effort to end the season on a high. While the Premier League title ultimately eluded them once again, the Gunners’ consistent presence at the top of the table confirms their evolution into one of England’s elite forces under Arteta.
Speaking post-match, the manager praised his team’s mentality:
> “We wanted to finish strong, and I’m proud of the way we responded. We’re building something — and today was a great way to close out the season.”
What’s Next for Arsenal
With the curtain falling on the 2024–25 season, attention now turns to the summer transfer window, where Arteta will look to bolster his squad for another title push. Farewells are expected, with Tierney among those likely to depart, but with Ødegaard at the helm and a young, talented core, Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic.
Final Score:
Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
(Goals: Tierney 43’, Stewart 54’, Ødegaard 88’)
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