Odegaard’s Late Stunner Seals Final Day Win for Arsenal at St Mary’s

And just like that, the curtain falls on the 2024/25 Premier League season and Arsenal signed off in dramatic fashion. A late thunderbolt from captain Martin Odegaard secured a 2-1 win over a stubborn Southampton side at St Mary’s, as the Gunners closed out their campaign with a fourteenth consecutive final-day victory.

It was a match with little riding on it, but still packed with emotion, especially for Kieran Tierney. The Scottish full-back, widely expected to leave the club this summer, marked what’s likely his Arsenal farewell with a lovely finish in the 43rd minute. Tierney ghosted in at the near post to meet Ben White’s smart pass and fired Arsenal ahead, earning a heartfelt ovation from the travelling fans.

Southampton, already consigned to relegation, came out fighting after the break and found their equaliser through Ross Stewart. The striker connected superbly with a Fernandes corner, sending a powerful header into the top corner a rare highlight in what’s been a miserable campaign for the Saints.

The game seemed destined to finish level until Odegaard, introduced in the second half, produced a moment of magic. With just a minute of normal time remaining, the Norwegian collected Leandro Trossard’s lay-off on the edge of the box and lashed a low strike into the bottom right corner. It hasn’t been the Arsenal skipper’s finest season by his high standards, but this was a perfect way to sign off.

For Mikel Arteta’s side, attention now turns to a pivotal summer. Another runners-up finish will sting, and with Champions League football secured, a marquee centre-forward signing feels inevitable if they’re to make the next step.

As for Southampton, it’s back to the Championship. Simon Rusk’s side battled gamely here, and with Will Still expected to take charge next season, a rebuild awaits on the south coast.