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Arsenal fought back from behind to beat Southampton and stay within touching distance of the Premier League top spot at the Emirates Stadium.
Cameron Archer had fired the Saints into the lead on 55 minutes after cutting back onto his right boot and finding the bottom corner with aplomb, but, amid the comeback, who proved their worth as ‘a handful all game’? Who was the match-winner?
Furthermore, who struggled to impress?
Mail Sport’s SAAN KHAN was present at the ground and rated 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 scored the Saints’ only goal of the afternoon, handing them a glimmer of hope
Joe Aribo – 6
Put a shift in. Spent a lot of time chasing the ball rather than being on it.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 5.5
Found it difficult against Saka on that right flank. Had some nice drives in offence.
Tyler Dibling – 7
Southampton’s most impressive player. Nearly set a goal up with a cross after 49 minutes, having beat Calafiori out wide. And later struck a post with a left-footed shot.
Mateus Fernandes – 7
All over the opposition like a rash. Got an assist for the Saints goal after shinning a chance just minutes earlier.
Ross Stewart – 6
Subbed off after 27 minutes because of a knock.
Substitutes
Cameron Archer – 6.5
Scored the away team’s goal to keep their hopes alive.
Adam Armstrong – 6
Paul Onuachu
Charlie Taylor
Manager
Russell Martin – 6.5
A valiant effort indeed. His team hung on in there and did not relent.
Referee
Tony Harrington – 6.5
Handled the game well.
