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Southampton striker Shane Long scored a brace against Arsenal last night.

Shane Long on how Southampton exploited Arsenal's weaknesses

The Gunners struggled defensively as they fell to a comprehensive loss.

LIVEWIRE PACE WAS the key behind Southampton’s 4-0 win over Arsenal, according to two-goal hero Shane Long.

Arsene Wenger’s side came into the match after a 2-1 win against Premier League title rivals Manchester City, but a woeful defensive display resulted in a resounding defeat at St Mary’s Stadium.

Long scored twice and hit the post as Southampton ended a five-game winless run in the top flight and the Irishman felt Arsenal had no response to the speed within his team’s ranks.

We caused them problems on the break and they did not like the pace in behind from me and Sadio [Mane] and we played on that,” Long told BT Sport.

“We knew we were a good enough team, we knew we could play football, but it was not happening in the last few weeks.

“We went out there with the mentality of fighting hard for each other firstly and hoping the play comes from there.

It was a good day all round, but we have got a hard game coming up in two days’ time against West Ham.”

Cuco Martina set Southampton on the path to victory with a sublime 25-yard opener with the outside of his boot.

It was the Curacaoan’s first Premier League appearance since September, and Long praised the effort the 26-year-old put in to return to the starting line-up.

“He’s been brilliant in training, working really hard and deserved his chance in the team,” he added.

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    Mute Gazza
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    Dec 27th 2015, 2:53 PM

    Good man Shane !!

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    Mute Hugh G. Johnson
    Favourite Hugh G. Johnson
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    Dec 27th 2015, 3:00 PM

    If he was to play from the start during the next 20 league games I am confident he would surpass his previous best of 8 in a season.

    He’d surely get at least 5 more goals if he shows the understanding he did with Mane and Tadic yesterday.

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    Mute Micheál Seamus Xavie
    Favourite Micheál Seamus Xavie
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    Dec 27th 2015, 2:55 PM

    Great to see him playing well, but an article stating the obvious?

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    Mute Pat Kelly
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    Dec 27th 2015, 3:22 PM

    As good a striker as those big club big headed boys

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    Mute PScald
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    Dec 27th 2015, 4:17 PM

    His goals to games ratio would say otherwise

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    Mute Brian Les
    Favourite Brian Les
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    Dec 27th 2015, 4:28 PM

    Plays much of the time out wide. Very much a confidence player so let’s hope he kicks on in the warm up to the euros

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    Mute Hugh G. Johnson
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    Dec 27th 2015, 4:37 PM

    His goals to minutes ratio is one of the best in the league. Even better when you consider he rarely starts 3 games in succession and has played about 5 times in his natural position.

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