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Arsenal’s Wenger, Cazorla react to late penalty, win over Southampton

Arsenal v Southampton - Premier League

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Santi Cazorla of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Olivier Giroud of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

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Santi Cazorla absence may have been the biggest part of Arsenal’s disappointing 2015-16 season, and he’s making up for lost time.

The Spaniard dealt with a lengthy wait to finish a penalty kick that gave Arsenal three points in a 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

[ MORE: Match recap ]

His thought process? Don’t miss.

“I had a lot of time to think about where to shoot my penalty, but I kept calm,” Cazorla said.

“I thought if I shot down the middle the keeper might go to one side. I have no idea if it was a foul.”

Arsene Wenger hailed the playmaking for his composure, and said the win should’ve been a bit more comfortable.

From the BBC:

“It is a relief, because we missed many chances and they had one or two opportunities having thrown everything forward. Honestly, everyone is telling me it was a penalty, but I’ve not yet seen it again.

“There was a long delay before Santi Cazorla took the penalty - he did very well to score because he felt a heavy mental weight for the team. He played very well, because he helped us get back into the game after we started not fluent and not pacey.”

Follow @NicholasMendola