Arsenal battled from behind to defeat Southampton and keep within touching distance of the Premier League top spot at the Emirates Stadium.
After cutting back onto his right boot and discovering the bottom corner with aplomb, Cameron Archer had fired the Saints into the lead on 55 minutes; but, among the comeback, who proved their value as ‘a handful all game’? The match winner was someone else.
Moreover, who battled to be impressive?
For the Gunners, it was finally comfortable; nevertheless, the victory did not come easily and they had to overcome an early scare.
Present at the ground, Mail Sport’s SAAN KHAN graded the players.
Arsenal fought back to beat Southampton and remain unbeaten in the Premier League
Gabriel Martinelli completed the turnaround before Bukayo Saka added a third goal
Cameron Archer fired the visitors into an unlikely lead as he picked out the bottom corner
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
David Raya – 6
A quite game for the Spaniard. Spent the first half watching his side in the opposition half, but had to be vigilant in second period. The goal he conceded was well placed.
Thomas Partey – 6.5
Stayed in position when required and played well. Had a couple of efforts at goal either well-saved by Ramsdale or blocked by a Saints defender.
William Saliba – 6
Outdone by Archer for Southampton’s goal, the forward cutting in against him. Should have done better, but aside from that was good on the ball.
Gabriel – 6.5
Not the same effect as usual from corners, owing to Ramsdale’s familiarity to the set-up. Stayed composed through the game.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Some good tracking back when required and effective in the final third. Was beaten by Dibling after 49 minutes on the wing, and the Saints nearly struck then.
Gabriel Magalhaes was unable to dominate in the air at corners but stayed composed
Riccardo Calafiori tracked back effectively when required and was bright going forward
Declan Rice kept play ticking for Arsenal and got into the game as the minutes ticked by
Kai Havertz – 7.5
A handful all game. His goal, which shaved the left post, equalised the game for Arsenal. Integral to their attacks.
Jorginho – 6
A tidy performance. Slowed down a bit in the second half.
Declan Rice – 6.5
Got into the game as it went on and kept the play ticking.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Provided two assists – his cross for Martinelli particularly eye-catching – and got a goal himself. Match-winner.
Gabriel Jesus – 5.5
Failed to utilise the ball well in final third. Had an attempt go just wide on 46 minutes, but was underwhelming overall.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Wanted to impress but kept being nullified by the opposition time and again.
Raheem Sterling wanted to impress but he was nullified by the opposition time and time again
Saka provided two assists before finding the back of the net himself and was the match-winner
Kai Havertz was a handful all game for Arsenal and he was integral to most of their attacks
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
His goal, creeping behind the Saints backline, set the Gunners on the way.
Lenadro Trossard – 6.5
A noticeable improvement on Jesus. Quick footwork.
Mikel Merino – 6
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
Jakub Kiwior
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 6.5
His three substitutions on the hour mark paid off.
SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-2-1)
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
A strong first-half display to thwart Arsenal’s set-piece plans. Beaten on his near post by Martinelli, which he will be disappointed by.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 6
His header off a corner struck the bar with the score 2-1 to Arsenal. Crucial moment.
Jan Bednarek – 5.5
Stuck in there under the pressure from the opposition’s forward line. Slightly wilted by the end.
Ryan Manning – 5.5
Kept needing Walker-Peters to deal with Saka. But can’t blame him when the winger is in this kind of form.
Yukinari Sugawara – 5.5
Put in a good cross on 81 minutes which could have created a goal. But that good was undone by a poor touch which allowed Saka to steam in and score.
Flynn Downes – 6
Got on the ball and tried his best to connect it going forward.
Aaron Ramsdale thwarted his former club from set pieces but was beaten at his near post
Mateus Fernandes was all over the hosts like a rash and notched an assist for the visitors’ goal
Tyler Dibling was Southampton’s most impressive player and hit the post with a fine strike
Archer gave the Saints hope by scoring their only goal of the afternoon.
Joe Aribo—six
Change things in place. chased the ball a lot of time instead of playing on it.
Kyle Walker-Peters: five and five five five
Found it challenging on that right wing against Saka. Made some decent drives in offense.
Tyler Dibling: seven
Southampton boasts the most outstanding player. Having beaten Calafiori out wide, almost set a goal up with a cross after 49 minutes. Then subsequently landed a post with a left-footed stroke.
Mateus Fernandes: seven
Everywhere among the opposition like a rash. Shinning an opportunity only minutes before, got an assist for the Saints’ goal.
Ross Stewart – 6
knocked and slid off after 27 minutes.
Replaces
Cameron Archer : 6.5
scored to keep the hopes alive for the away team.
Six Adam Armstrong
Paul OnuACH
Toby Taylor
Manager
Russell Martin: 5.5
Indeed, a brave effort is involved. His staff hung on in there and did not waver.
Assistant referee
Tony Harrington had a 6.5.
managed the game really nicely.