Southampton vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Granit Xhaka scored a superb early goal but Premier League leaders Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Sunday as Stuart Armstrong netted a deserved second-half equaliser for the home side.
The result moved Arsenal to 28 points from 11 games, two ahead of second-placed Manchester City, while Southampton are 15th with 12 points from 12 games.
The visitors looked untouchable in the opening 15 minutes as they launched wave after wave of attacks on the home goal, and were rewarded with an excellent opener from Xhaka, who also netted their winner in the midweek Europa League win over PSV Eindhoven.
Bukayo Saka’s flick set right-back Ben White away down the right flank and his cross was thundered into the roof of the net by Xhaka.
Southampton will have been relieved to be only 1-0 down at the break, but were much brighter in the second period and were deserving of their equaliser, perhaps profiting from an Arsenal side who looked increasingly weary from their midweek exertions.
A quick counter-attack on 65 minutes drew reward when Mohamed Elyounoussi slipped the ball into the path of Armstrong, who was composed with his finish past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Reuters
Southampton vs Arsenal
Arsenal work it well through midfield with Partey feeding it through to Martinelli just outside the D. He's got a crowd of Southampton players ahead of him but still tries to squeeze it through to Jesus, only for Diallo to block it.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Arsenal are trying to regain their rhythm as they enjoy a spell of possession, but it's all in their own half, and they're struggling to get through Southampton's high press.
Southampton vs Arsenal
WHAT A BLOCK! Aribo is caught on the ball and Arsenal break forward on a lightning-quick counter. Odegaard slides it through to Jesus, who is one-on-one with the keeper when Elyounoussi gets back and slides in to send his shot wide.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton are upping the pressure again here with Stuart Armstrong curling in a dangerous cross. He gets it through to Elyounoussi at the far post, but he can't react quick enough to poke it past Ramsdale.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Both Salisu and Gabriel are quickly back on their feet after receiving treatment, and they're okay to carry on.
Southampton vs Arsenal
During Southampton's latest corner, there was a clash of heads between Gabriel and Salisu. Both have stayed down and the medical teams are on to give them treatment.
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