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Arsenal maintained their remarkable record against newly-promoted teams, overcoming an unexpected lead from Southampton to secure a 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were tested to the limit by a determined Southampton team still in search of their first win since their return to the Premier League.
From the outset, Arsenal dominated possession and dictated the tempo, yet Southampton displayed commendable courage in their approach. The Saints registered the first shot on target, with Kyle Walker-Peters testing David Raya from the edge of the box following a corner. Arsenal soon believed they had taken the lead when Kai Havertz headed home from a Declan Rice corner, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul in the buildup. Growing frustrated, the Gunners began to unleash speculative shots from distance, although Thomas Partey’s powerful strike forced former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale into action, ensuring the match remained goalless at halftime.
The second half commenced with Gabriel Jesus curling a shot just wide as Arsenal sought a breakthrough. Yet it was Southampton who took the lead against the run of play. After Raheem Sterling lost possession in midfield, Mateus Fernandes quickly released Cameron Archer, and the substitute finished clinically, curling the ball into the bottom corner to give the Saints a surprising 1-0 lead.
However, Southampton’s joy was short-lived. Arsenal’s relentless pressure bore fruit when Bukayo Saka brilliantly set up Havertz, who slotted home his seventh consecutive goal at the Emirates, equalising for the Gunners. Just minutes later, Saka turned provider once more, delivering a pinpoint cross for Gabriel Martinelli, who tapped in from close range to complete a swift Arsenal comeback.
Saka continued to be a thorn in Southampton’s side, nearly adding to his assist tally with a deflected shot that stung Ramsdale’s palms. The visitors, though down, were not out and nearly equalised when Tyler Dibling’s effort struck the outside of the post. Havertz also hit the woodwork with a deflected shot as the match’s intensity escalated in the final stages.
With Southampton pushing for an equaliser, Saka put the game beyond doubt, finishing a well-executed Arsenal counterattack with his weaker right foot, curling the ball into the far corner to seal the 3-1 win. The result extends Arsenal’s unbeaten streak against Southampton to 29 games, while condemning the Saints to their seventh consecutive away defeat in the Premier League. Despite their valiant effort, Southampton remains winless in their return to the top flight, while Arsenal stays firmly in the title race.
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