Arsenal vs Southampton Review
Arsenal came from behind to extend their impressive unbeaten streak against newly-promoted teams at the Emirates Stadium, defeating Southampton 3-1 and keeping up with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Despite Arsenal’s early control of the game, it was Southampton who registered the first shot on target when Kyle Walker-Peters fired directly at David Raya from the edge of the box after a corner.
Although Kai Havertz scored from a routine corner taken by Declan Rice, the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the penalty area. Frustration grew for the Gunners as they began to take inaccurate long-range shots, but Thomas Partey’s attempt at least tested former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, leaving the score tied at halftime.
Gabriel Jesus narrowly missed the target at the beginning of the second half, but the hosts’ missed opportunities allowed Southampton a chance to take the lead when Mateus Fernandes hit the roof of the net after some skillful play by Tyler Dibling. Shortly after, the Saints found themselves in a fantastic position as Fernandes intercepted the ball from Raheem Sterling in midfield and set up Cameron Archer, who skillfully curled the ball into the bottom corner to score.
However, Southampton’s lead was short-lived, as Bukayo Saka and Havertz connected once again, with Havertz scoring his seventh consecutive home goal with a brilliant shot off the post. Saka continued to be a key player as Mikel Arteta’s team quickly turned the game around, delivering a superb cross for substitute Gabriel Martinelli to finish at the back post, marking his seventh assist in the league this season.
Despite being at a slight disadvantage, the visitors still believed they could salvage something from the match, especially when Dibling’s attempt hit the outside of the post. Havertz also came close, hitting the woodwork with a deflected shot, adding to the tension in the closing moments. However, Saka was determined to seal the victory and made no mistake with his opportunity, skillfully placing the ball into the far corner with his weaker right foot during an Arsenal counterattack, ensuring the outcome was settled.
This victory extends Arsenal’s impressive unbeaten streak against Southampton to 29 matches (20 wins, 9 draws) and marks the Saints’ seventh consecutive away defeat in the top flight, leaving them without a win since their return to the Premier League.
