Bukayo Saka inspires Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Southampton 

Arsenal were initially frustrated by the dogged visitors in the first half, especially at the 55th minute when Cameron Archer found the bottom corner of the goal post following a Saints counter.

But the Gunners were quick to respond to the goal opener. With Saka intercepting the ball and setting up Kai Havertz, who calmly finished past Aaron Ramsdale, scoring in his seventh consecutive home game.

The comeback was completed when Saka’s diagonal cross found substitute Gabriel Martinelli, whose goal was upheld after a VAR review for offside. Saka then capitalized on another Southampton’s error to score Arsenal’s third goal, sealing the win.

Despite some shaky moments between their second and third goals, Tyler Dibling hit the post, and David Raya punch ricocheted off the crossbar.

Arsenal’s victory keeps them just a point behind Liverpool at the top of the table. While Southampton remains without a win, despite showing improvement in their 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in his press conference:”The first half I thought it was exceptional. The amount of dominance that we had, the areas that we played in, the amount of situations and chances that we created, open play, on set pieces, with our counter-press. It’s unbelievable that we didn’t score a goal.

“Then we started the second half and we were a bit sloppy. Especially in the first five or 10 minutes with the ball. The game became a little bit more open. They scored the goal and then, again, we threw away everything that we did in the first half and started a completely new game in a really difficult context.”

“The team reacted incredibly well. A lot of composure, big belief. Very good clarity in what we had to do, and the crowd was exceptional. The subs were exceptional, and we managed to do it again.”

On Bukayo Saka, he said: “That’s the maturity and that’s the steps that players have to do. He has been long enough in the team now. He has the right to have that role.

“He believes in that, that he has the capacity to change games, to decide games. Like many other players, and he wants to be at the top. Sometimes players have to create those moments and he’s certainly done that today again.”

Saka delivered another stellar performance. Once again proving to be Arsenal’s go-to player in tough moments. His two assists brought his Premier League total to seven this season.