Southampton vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from St. Mary's Stadium
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
Xhaka makes another surging run down the left and he does well to get a yard on Caleta-Car to swing a cross in. There's no one there for Arsenal though and the hosts comfortably clear their lines.
Southampton vs Arsenal
It's a loose pass from Saliba as he gifts it straight to Adam Armstrong and he drives into the box. A poor touch on the edge of the box allowed Gabriel to step in, much to his team-mates' relief.
Southampton vs Arsenal
There are big shouts for a handball against Lyanco when Xhaka whips his cross into the box. His arm was tight to his side though and the referee waves for play to carry on.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Arteta will be pleased with his side's performance in the first half - they put Southampton under a lot of pressure and arguably should have scored more. Southampton took a while to grow into the game, but have struggled to create chances, and Hasenhuttl might be thinking about making a change to help with that.
Southampton vs Arsenal
Xhaka's early goal gives Arsenal a 1-0 lead over Southampton at half-time. The Gunners made a bright start to the game, with Bazunu denying the Swiss midfielder and Odegaard firing just wide before the deadlock was broken. Xhaka was unmarked in the middle when he fired it into the roof of the net. Jesus also saw a shot well-saved by Bazunu just before the break.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments