Over the next week we’ll be reviewing Arsenal's 2014/15 campaign - and we continue with a look back at the Capital One Cup.
After a convincing 3-0 victory at Aston Villa - and with huge matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea looming - Arsene Wenger named a much-changed side for Arsenal’s third-round clash with Southampton.
Internationals such as Tomas Rosicky, Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere featured while David Ospina and Joel Campbell, fresh from World Cup action, also started.
"An inexperienced back line included Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden, Calum Chambers and Francis Coquelin at left back"
An inexperienced back line including Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden, Calum Chambers and Francis Coquelin at left back, however, would face a tough test against a free-scoring Southampton side eager to build on their early-season momentum.
Arsenal flew into the lead when Alexis curled home an inch-perfect free kick from 25 yards to leave Fraser Forster stranded, but Southampton hit back just seven minutes later.
Rosicky - captaining the side in Mikel Arteta’s absence - tripped Sadio Mane in the box and Dusan Tadic converted from the spot to equalise.
Hayden and Chambers had coped well with the aerial threat of Graziano Pelle but, when Chambers rose above the Italy striker to clear Tadic’s corner, Nathaniel Clyne raced onto the ball and arrowed a powerful drive into the roof of the net from 30 yards.
Despite a late Arsenal onslaught there was no way through and the final whistle signalled the end of the Gunners’ League Cup campaign.
Alexis Sanchez
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