Arsenal struggled in the game against Southampton because Arteta decided to do some experimenting with his starting lineup. Thomas Partey was positioned in right back and that decision had an impact on their performance in the first half. If Arteta had played his regular starting eleven, Arsenal would have easily gotten the goals. Saka has been on a different level since wearing the Captain band. Kai Harvertz keeps improving game after game, I just love the connection within the squad.
This is one thing I've particularly enjoyed with the Arsenal team and it is their act of sportsmanship, teamwork and cooperation. If Arsenal had played their regular starting eleven, they would have score more goals with the Southampton side but it is very good to always test the squad on different grounds to understand their limitations and capacity to deliver under tight conditions.
It didn’t stopped the club from winning with a distinct three goals to one. But more importantly, it has reshaped their perspectives on how to reshuffle their squad depth when the need arises and what to expect.
I believe Arteta experimental line up against Southampton was to a tactical approach having knew that the visitors are lowly rated and weak team who had been struggling in the league moreso resting some of the key players after playing many games could be a reason why Arteta rested them, surprisingly Southampton first took the league before Arsenal came back to their winning ways in their usual characteristic manner after some substitutions, it's obvious Arteta wouldn't play such a formation against stronger opponents knowing the consequences of losing and dropping points.