Bukayo Saka set up a pair of goals before scoring himself as title-chasing Arsenal overcame a second-half deficit to beat struggling Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Saints led through Cameron Archer in the 55th minute but Arsenal struck thrice in 27 minutes to keep Southampton winless on the young Premier League season.
Arsenal keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool, who both won today. The Gunners are one point back of Liverpool and behind Man City via tiebreakers. Saints remain on a single point, three points back of safety.
The Gunners stormed past Leicester late on last weekend and beat PSG 2-0 in Champions League action in midweek as they’re managing their injury issues superbly. Mikel Arteta’s side remain unbeaten this season and have developed that wonderful knack of grinding out wins any way they can. They look primed for a big trophy push across multiple competitions once again this season.
New boys Southampton are yet to win in the Premier League this season as they were beaten 3-1 at Bournemouth on Monday to underline the uphill battle they face to stay in the top-flight. They travel to Man City next.
Stellar Saka breathing rarefied air, may soon need pure oxygen
Bukayo Saka has not had a poor game in the 2024-25 Premier League season so far, and the bar for his performances is set higher than “above average.” Saka was an absolute force versus Southampton, a playmaker at his very best with seven created chances and six shot attempts (plus the goal and two assists). Saka’s seven assists are three more than anyone else in the Premier League and his nine goal contributions trail only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.
Here’s the thing, though — you might want to enjoy the star show right now, Arsenal fans. Saka has played in every single game for club and country since the start of the season, and only one appearance was shorter than 66 minutes. And who knows what that day would’ve looked like had Leandro Trossard’s red card not required the removal of an attacker after 45 minutes versus Manchester City.
Arsenal vs Southampton player ratings
Arsenal vs Southampton player ratings (fotmob.com)
Arsenal vs Southampton player ratings (fotmob.com)
How to watch Arsenal vs Southampton live, stream link, start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (October 5)
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
Arsenal vs Southampton live updates — By Nick Mendola
Arsenal vs Southampton final score: 3-1
Cameron Archer 55', Kai Havertz 58', Gabriel Martinell 68', Bukayo Saka 88'
Bukayo Saka goal — Arsenal 3-1 Southampton (88th minute)
Just desserts for Saka, who has been fantastic today.
Leandro Trossard drives play but is cut off by Yukinari Sugawara.
But the Japanese defender’s intervention pushes the ball too far away, and Saka darts to the loose ball to lash it past Ramsdale.
That’ll do it.
Gabriel Martinelli goal — Arsenal 2-1 Southampton (68th minute)
Another Saka assist.
The England star cuts in from the right and swings his left foot through the ball.
Will it survive VAR review? Yes!
Arsenal triple sub
Here’s a depth flex from Mikel Arteta at the hour mark.
Off go Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling.
On come Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.
Kai Havertz goal! Arsenal 1-1 Southampton (58th minute)
Bukayo Saka’s great season continues, as he picks Saints’ pockets in the Southampton half and feeds Havertz.
The German’s early season hasn’t been too shabby, either, and he buries his chances from the edge of the area.
Warning sign unheeded! Arsenal 0-1 Southampton (55th minute)
Fernandes tackles Raheem Sterling inside the Saints end, but no foul is called and Arsenal are upset.
Their anger soon escalates as Fernandes picks out Cameron Archer, who beats David Raya to put Southampton ahead!
Saints come close!
Tyler Dibling turns Riccardo Calafiori and aims for goal from the right.
The ball takes a huge turn and Saints’ Mateus Fernandes reacts quickest and nearly puts Southampton ahead!
A warning sign for Arsenal.
Halftime — Arsenal 0-0 Southampton
Arsenal take 14 first-half shots but old pal Aaron Ramsdale didn’t have to register a save until the final one of the frame.
The bruises are on the Saints’ field players, who have seven blocked shots through 45 minutes.
Ross Stewart injury
Saints haven’t had much of the ball, especially the forwards, and now they have to change one.
Ross Stewart is injured, and it’ll be Cameron Archer taking his place after just 27 minutes.
Gunners probing and firing
Arsenal have ripped a half-dozen shots toward the Saints goal in the first 20 minutes.
Still no breakthrough, but Aaron Ramsdale is under siege at his old home.
Instant control
The Gunners’ faithful is seeing possession and chances early, as Southampton is going to be tested at the Emirates.
Arsenal lineup
Raya, Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Havertz, Rice, Saka, Sterling, Jesus
Southampton lineup
Ramsdale, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Manning, Downes, Aribo, Dibling, Fernandes, Stewart
Arsenal team news, focus
Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain out, while Ben White and Jurrien Timber are both doubts so there is potentially an issue at right back. The Gunners will no doubt rotate a little after their midweek win against PSG but they don’t have many options, especially in defense.
OUT: Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Kieran Tierney (thigh), Martin Odegaard (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Ben White (knee), Jurrien Timber (other).
Southampton team news, focus
Saints are missing Kamaldeen Sulemana through injury, while Will Smallbone remains out. There will be big lineup changes with Aribo, Stewart, Lallana and Brereton Diaz all likely to start after impressing off the bench at Bournemouth. Aaron Ramsdale will be making his return to Arsenal just a few weeks after leaving and he’ll get a very warm reception from the Gunners faithful. The main thing Southampton need is belief, and a positive performance in this game will bring that. Even if getting a result at Arsenal seems highly unlikely.
OUT: Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle), William Smallbone (thigh), Jack Stephens (suspension)
Arsenal vs Southampton prediction
The Gunners are obviously heavy favorites and will look to start fast, as they always do, press Southampton into making mistakes at the back and then chill out. Arsenal 3-1 Southampton.
