Conceding a goal can cause a multitude of reactions. Panic, indifference or vengeance are some. For Arsenal, substitute Cameron Archer’s strike equated to a punch to the nose as the Gunners awoke to put away Southampton.
Though, it helps when a player such as Bukayo Saka is in your side. He picked up his cape and whirled into action, providing two assists and striking a goal, too, in a superhero-like display, downing the valiant Saints.
That is now seven assists in seven Premier League matches — the most by any player in Europe’s top five leagues. Incredible.
On 58 minutes, Saka dispossessed Flynn Downes to play Kai Havertz through; he struck the ball just inside the box past Aaron Ramsdale, scraping the left post on the way in.
That levelled the match and, 10 minutes later, Saka provided an excellent curling left-footed cross which went over the visitors’ backline. Gabriel Martinelli crept to the back-post and finished from close range.
Bukayo Saka’s late goal sealed comeback win for Arsenal against Southampton at the Emirates
The strike in the closing stages marked 49 in the Premier League for the England international
The result means Mikel Arteta’s side are still yet to taste defeat in all competitions this season
Saka was not done there, cashing in on Yukinari Sugarwara’s heavy touch to nab a goal for himself. A complete performance.
Mikel Arteta rained down plaudits on his winger after a 16th match in a row unbeaten across all competitions — the longest run in the Spaniard’s tenure.
He said: ‘He has the capacity to change and decide games like many other players. If we want to be at the top, sometimes players have to create those moments and he’s certainly done that again today.
‘It’s another step in what he wants. Especially when he does it at home, does it at big games, in not so big games, when the team needs him. That’s what defines a top, top player.
‘What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable.’
Russell Martin’s job is undoubtedly under pressure — the Saints have yet to pick up a league win this season — though this display showed signs of promise.
They were dogged, especially in the first half having batted away corner after corner, Aaron Ramsdale coming out to palm the ball away regardless of its proximity to him.
Those years at Arsenal had provided him with a blueprint on thwarting their set-piece plans. It worked. The Gunners even tried a short corner on 32 minutes in a bid to change things up.
When Archer’s goal arrived, cutting in to leave William Saliba wrong-footed — that is a rare moment — and strike past David Raya after 55 minutes, it was a culmination of resistance.
They had tried so hard to get anything from this match, but Saka was unstoppable.
‘I feel really proud of the team in a lot of ways,’ said Martin.
Clash saw Raheem Sterling handed his first Premier League start since joining Gunners on loan
The hosts pressed for an opener throughout the first half but Aaron Ramsdale held firm
Saints drew first blood after the interval courtesy of a great finish from Cameron Archer
But Arsenal immediately hit back, with Kai Havertz continuing his hot streak to make it 1-1
The former Chelsea forward has now netted six times in all competitions this season
Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to put the Gunners into the lead on 68 minutes
‘The willingness to defend and fight was there in bundles today. I feel like they’ve grown since Monday. The same frustration is conceding goals that are not good enough to concede at a brilliant team.’
Jurrien Timber and Ben White were left out of the Arsenal squad because of injury, but there was a boost for the Gunners — the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu to the squad.
The defender had yet to play this season due to a knee injury, his inclusion amid a group of unavailable full backs at Arsenal needed.
So much so, Thomas Partey slotted in at right back. It’s a position that is far from his best suits, though he has played there on occasion — and played well today, staying disciplined in position.
Jorginho nearly put the north London club in front, using his chest to bring the ball down and cracking it just wide of the left post, before Partey’s strike was parried out by Ramsdale on the stroke of half-time.
Upon the restart, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling got the better of Riccardo Calafiori on the wing, and his cross met Mateus Fernandes. He shinned the ball just over the net.
The Brazilian’s goal was followed by an extended VAR check but he was ruled to be onside
Their confidence was growing — and shortly after they took the lead, thanks to Archer’s strike.
That had clearly awoken the Gunners; the goal was deserved. Just three minutes later Havertz got on the scoresheet, and the home side soon kicked into gear via Saka’s heroics.
