Goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal rally from a goal down to defeat a determined Southampton side at the Emirates Stadium.
The first half was largely uneventful, but things took a dramatic turn when Cameron Archer put the visitors ahead early in the second half, marking Southampton’s bid for their first win at Arsenal since 1987. The setback, however, ignited Arsenal’s offense. Havertz scored his seventh consecutive home goal to equalize, and substitute Martinelli put the Gunners in front 10 minutes later.
Southampton came close to leveling, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession. But Saka sealed the win with a late goal, marking Arsenal’s 400th Premier League home victory and extending their unbeaten run to 16 matches heading into the international break.
First Half Frustration
The opening 45 minutes saw Arsenal dominate possession, yet struggle to find the breakthrough. Despite camping in Southampton’s half and creating a few chances, the visitors’ resolute defense kept the game goalless.
Gabriel’s header from a corner was blocked, while Gabriel Jesus saw a couple of half-chances thwarted. Kai Havertz also headed over the bar from a corner as Southampton held firm.
Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters tested Arsenal keeper David Raya from long range, but the attempt posed little danger. Toward the end of the half, Jorginho and Thomas Partey both fired efforts from distance, but Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale kept his clean sheet intact at the break.
Southampton Take the Lead
Southampton’s game plan appeared to be working perfectly, and they nearly took the lead early in the second half. Tyler Dibling’s deflected cross found Mateus Fernandes, whose shot clipped the crossbar.
Just minutes later, Southampton struck. Fernandes dispossessed Raheem Sterling and lofted a pass over the Arsenal defense for Cameron Archer, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving the visitors a surprising 1-0 lead.
Arsenal Respond
Arsenal quickly responded to the setback, needing just four minutes to level the score. Bukayo Saka intercepted a pass and fed Havertz, who created space and fired in off the post, extending his remarkable scoring run at the Emirates.
Eight minutes after being subbed on, Gabriel Martinelli completed Arsenal’s comeback. Another pinpoint cross from Saka found Martinelli, who slid the ball past Ramsdale at the near post. Despite a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood, putting Arsenal 2-1 ahead.
Saka Secures the Win
Southampton nearly equalized as Dibling’s deflected shot hit the post, and Armstrong’s flick from the ensuing corner rattled the crossbar. But two minutes from full time, Saka ensured the three points for Arsenal. After a run by Leandro Trossard was interrupted, the ball fell to Saka, who slotted home to cap off a 3-1 win.
Key Stats and Facts
Arsenal remains unbeaten in 25 Premier League home games against Southampton (17 wins, 8 draws), the most one-sided fixture at home without defeat in Premier League history.
Southampton is now winless in 20 Premier League matches, equaling their worst-ever top-flight run (20 games from August to December 1969).
Bukayo Saka has contributed seven assists in Arsenal’s seven Premier League games this season, more than any other player.
Gabriel Martinelli has been involved in four goals (2 goals, 2 assists) across his last three Premier League games, equaling his total involvement in the previous 20.
What’s Next
Arsenal heads into the international break, returning to action on October 19 with an away fixture against Bournemouth. Three days later, the Gunners resume their Champions League campaign, hosting Shakhtar Donetsk, followed by a clash against Liverpool on October 27.
