Discover how Saka and Havertz propelled Arsenal to a 3-1 victory, extending their unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Read more about the match highlights.
Introduction:
Meanwhile, Arsenal rallies from a goal down to pull out an exciting comeback win over Southampton at Emirates Stadium and remain within striking distance of leaders Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli scored for the Gunners as they overturned a one-goal disadvantage to overcome the Saints, who remain the only team still without a league victory at Emirates Stadium since 1987.
See also: Havertz and Saka Lead Arsenal to 2-0 Win Against PSG: Champions League
First Half Frustration for Arsenal
Arsenal were very dominant regarding possession during the first 45 minutes but lacked serious attempts to penetrate the resolute Southampton defense. In the early stages, the Gunners camped in the Saints’ half, but clear chances in front of the goal came few and far between. Gabriel Magalhães was blocked from a header, while Gabriel Jesus was foiled twice by Southampton’s defense.
Havertz’s shot from outside the area almost carried him into his fifth Emirates scoring spree, but a diving Southampton defender denied him as the ball prevented it from getting to Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal mustered only two efforts on target in the first half. Long-range by Kyle Walker-Peters tested David Raya, but little danger beckoned.
Thomas Partey shot the ball from 20 yards out forcing Ramsdale into making a low save, but the teams went into the break level at 0-0. This made Arsenal frustrated.
Southampton Shock the Emirates with Archer’s Goal
The break seemed to galvanize Southampton into newfound determination. Within three minutes of the start of the second half, Southampton thought they had gone in front when Mateus Fernandes stabbed a deflected cross onto the top of the crossbar. Arsenal were not paying much heed to that warning, and in the 54th minute, finally, Southampton found a way past them.
Mateus Fernandes sent Raheem Sterling the wrong way and played a precise pass over Arsenal’s backline to find Cameron Archer. The striker had no issue as he put the ball into the bottom corner to give Southampton an early shock lead. Tension ran through the Emirates as Southampton looked ready to break their long streak of matches without beating the Gunners.
Turn for the Tide with Martinelli, Saka and Havertz
Arsenal needed a quick reply and got that within four minutes. From a sloppy Southampton pass, Bukayo Saka claimed it inside the box to the feet of Kai Havertz. The German showed great composure as he opened the space and somehow fired the shot in with considerable power off the post to send the tie back level again. Havertz’s goal was his seventh successive one at Emirates; an impressive streak indeed, which might change the fortunes of the Gunners and certainly the Emirates outfit.
The momentum swung in favour of Arsenal as 10 minutes later, Martinelli made a prompt impact from the bench. Saka delivered a perfect cross into the back post, Martinelli sneaked in to side-foot the ball past Ramsdale. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, and Arsenal were in front.
Saka Seals the Win as Southampton Hit the Woodwork Twice
Southampton refused to go without a fight and nearly equalized, hitting the woodwork not once but twice in quick succession. A deflected shot by Tyler Dibling clipped the post, and from the resulting corner, the ball ricocheted off Aadam Armstrong and crashed against the crossbar. Arsenal survived the scares, and two minutes from time, Saka put the game beyond doubt.
Leandro Trossard’s driving run in the final third was shut off, but Saka calmly slotted it past Ramsdale to seal Arsenal’s 400th Premier League home win. This win took Arsenal’s unbeaten tally to 16 games and keeps them firmly in the title race.
