Southampton vs. Arsenal: Rating the Top Performers in EPL Draw

Gaston Ramirez of Southampton
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Arsenal will feel they got away with stealing a point while Southampton will feel hard done by as the Saints battled to an impressive 1-1 draw that could have been at least a 3-1 victory if more things had gone their way.

Gaston Ramirez stole the show while Theo Walcott failed to make enough of an impression to maintain his top form at the moment.

For much of the night, key Arsenal players, including Santi Cazorla, just looked a step behind and that the holiday season's fatigue was setting in. With the FA Cup fixtures at the weekend drawing near, Arsene Wenger may have to dig a little deeper into his squad to give a few key players some rest.

As we look back to yesterday evening's contest, here were the top six performers from the Saints and Gunners' 1-1 draw.

Morgan Schneiderlin

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Morgan Schneiderlin did give the ball away at times, but for the most part he was solid on the ball and was good at bringing the attack forward.

His build-up play helped play a hand in the go-ahead goal for the club in the first half. He did well to break up much of the Arsenal build-up and help to stifle the attack that had been blazing on all cannons over the weekend, reducing it to little of a threat.

Guilherme Do Prado

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Guilherme Do Prado was the unfortunate own goal scorer for the club, but he never quit as he put in a solid effort for the club.

He did well playing on both sides of the ball and still managed to force a strong save in the second half that could have seen him come good for his own goal and possibly have secured three points.

Jack Wilshere

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Jack Wilshere proved that whether he has a bad game or not he is more than willing to put in his fair share of effort. Unfortunately he had an off-day, but his persistence saw him create well at times with Santi Cazorla.

However, there was never a moment where he could break through the stingy Southampton defense and he ended the night frustrated with the rest of his team.

Maya Yoshida

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Maya Yoshida more than likely should have been awarded a penalty early on when he was brought down in the box by Thomas Vermaelen at the eighth minute.

He maintained his poise in possession as always throughout the night and helped to keep the Gunners attack at bay all night long.

Mikel Arteta

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Easily Arsenal's best player of the match. His hard work and determination helped achieve the eventual own goal from winning the freekick in the Saints' half.

Arteta managed to keep the game flowing for much of the time he had possession and went close to stealing all three points with a great effort in the second period.

Gaston Ramirez

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Gaston Ramirez was the clear man of the match as his goal at the 35th minute of the first half was a fine display of what the young attacker is destined to be capable of more often than not.

He made great runs all night that threatened the Arsenal defense and had he been more composed in his final efforts it could have been a much tougher night for Arsene Wenger.

Ramirez was brought off late to a deserved standing ovation from his home crowd that has grown to love him since his move to Saint Mary's this summer.