Arsenal Become First Side in Premier League History to Concede First Minute Goal on Three Occasions in One Year

Arsenal have become the first side in Premier League history to concede a first minute goal on three occasions in the same calendar year.

Sloppy starts on home soil became something of a familiar theme during the run-in last season with Bournemouth infamously finding the back of the net in just 9.11 seconds.

Arsenal fell further behind in the contest but on that occasion they were able to mount a famous comeback, culminating in Reiss Nelson’s injury-time winner.

More Charitable Defending

More charitable defending allowed Southampton to open the scoring at the Emirates later on in the campaign when the title was still up for grabs as Carlos Alcaraz benefited from a wayward pass from Aaron Ramsdale.

And the Arsenal goalkeeper as partly at fault again on Saturday when he was caught out of position by Andreas Pereira, whose astute near post finish completed an unwanted hat-trick for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Ramsdale’s Positioning Brutally Exposed

While Bukayo Saka also shouldered blame for his misdirected backpass, Ramsdale’s positioning was brutally exposed by Pereira much to the annoyance of Martin Keown.

He said: ‘This was something we saw often at the end of last season when Arsenal didn’t take advantage of their lead in the title race. Ramsdale is so far off his line, he does this so often and I’m not sure why, and Pereira shoots into the near post.’

Arsenal’s Unfortunate Record

Arsenal have now become the first side in Premier League history to concede a first minute goal on three occasions in the same calendar year. This is an unfortunate record for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have struggled to start games on the front foot and have been punished for it.

The Gunners have now conceded seven goals in their opening 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, which is more than any other side in the division.

Conclusion

Arsenal have been punished for their sloppy starts this season and have now become the first side in Premier League history to concede a first minute goal on three occasions in one year. Aaron Ramsdale has been particularly culpable for these goals, with his positioning being brutally exposed by opposition attackers.

The Gunners have now conceded seven goals in their opening 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, which is more than any other side in the division. Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can start games better and avoid conceding early goals if they are to have a successful season.