Southampton 1-2 Arsenal - Daily Echo player ratings

It took until the 89th minute for Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal to win the game, their winner coming from substitute Martin Ødegaard.

Many Saints players felt like they were playing for their future, with new boss Will Still in the stands and a transfer window around the corner.

Here's how we rated every player on the final day of the season...

Starters

Aaron Ramsdale - 6.

Beaten at his near-post for Arsenal's opening goal and was not protected for the second as Saints were slow to react. Serenaded by the home and away fans. 

Aaron Ramsdale was Saints captain on what will probably be his final appearance. (Image: Stuart Martin) Yukinari Sugawara - 6.

Coped rather well on his return to the starting lineup. Put his body on the line to block Arsenal's efforts and could have won a penalty when his shot struck Declan Rice's arm. Made an important goal-line clearance.

Nathan Wood - 6.

Was Southampton's only recognised centre-back, and did not look overly out of place during his biggest challenge since joining the club. Made seven clearances, five with his head. Will have kept himself in Still's thoughts.

Charlie Taylor - 7.

His best Southampton performance by far. Impressive after returning from the cold and playing for the first time since January. Made the most clearances and recovered well to pressure Gabriel Martinelli after getting the slip.

Southampton's Charlie Taylor and Joe Lumley. (Image: Stuart Martin) Welington - 6.

The least impressive of Southampton's back four, but still coped rather well on the afternoon. Fed the ball to Kamaldeen Sulemana, who dominated the attacks down the left. Could be the first-choice left-back next season.

Flynn Downes - 7.

Played a very important role in midfield, making the switch to a back four and the inclusion of Jay Robinson more seamless. Made the most passes into the final third (five).

Lesley Ugochukwu - 6.

Bowed out at St Mary's with a decent performance. Started the game really well, but his influence dipped in the second half. Slipped a few times while in possession. Replaced by Joachim Kayi Sanda before Arsenal scored a late winner.

Lesley Ugochukwu played his final game for Saints against Arsenal. (Image: Stuart Martin) Jay Robinson - 7.

An impressive full debut, even more so given the level of opposition. Didn't show any fear when driving with the ball and struck a decent partnership with Ross Stewart. A massive end-of-season positive.

Mateus Fernandes - 7.

Ended the season with an assist, taking him to six goal contributions for the season (two goals, four assists), the most of any Saints player. Lost the most duels (nine) but tried the most in and out of possession.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 7.

Seems to be a totally different player when playing on the final day of a Premier League season. Caused real problems with his driving runs, just lacked the final bit. Southampton's best player in the first half.

Ross Stewart - 7.

Ended a horrible season on a high by scoring his first Saints goal. Opened his account with a neat header from Fernandes' corner and was a constant option up front. Showed signs that he can be Southampton's man next season.

Ross Stewart celebrates his first Saints goal. (Image: Stuart Martin) Substitutes

Paul Onuachu - 5.

Had forgotten he came on until I started to write these ratings. Didn't do anything. Ends the season as top scorer with four goals, though.

Cameron Archer - N/A.

Difficult to judge his performance, despite playing over 15 minutes, as he simply didn't see much of the ball. Replaced Robinson to little effect.

Will Smallbone - 5.

Didn't do his starting chances for next season any good when he came on after 79 minutes. Completed two of six passes and was easily beaten by Ødegaard for the winning goal.

Joachim Kayi Sanda - N/A.

Came on for his senior St Mary's debut with four minutes of regular time remaining. Couldn't get out to Ødegaard quickly enough, although he was not his man to tackle.

Southampton's Joachim Kayi Sanda. (Image: Stuart Martin)