Southampton thrashed 3 – 1 by Arsenal as Saka stars. After Alexandre Lacazette missed a glorious chance to give the Gunners a first-minute lead, Stuart Armstrong put Southampton ahead from a wonderful delivery by captain James Ward-Prowse. Teenager Bukayo Saka scored a wonderful goal as Arsenal continued their excellent run of league form by coming from behind to beat Southampton in an eventful game.
But the lead lasted just five minutes, as Nicolas Pepe equalising with a neat finish, before both sides created clear chances.
Former Saints defender Cedric Soares volleyed narrowly wide at one end while Bernd Leno produced a flying save to keep out a header by Che Adams at the other.
England winger Saka put the Gunners ahead after going past keeper Alex McCarthy, who had come rushing out of his penalty area, before the 19-year-old picked out Lacazette to seal the points. Saka shines in classy win
When they were held 1-1 by Southampton at Emirates Stadium on 16 December, Mikel Arteta’s side were anchored 15th in the table and trailed the Saints by 10 points.
This latest impressive win lifted them above Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and up into eighth spot, five points off a top-four spot.
Arteta’s team is finally clicking, with a fifth win in six league games easing the pain of Saturday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton, while building further momentum before Saturday’s intriguing home game with high-flying Manchester United.
In an eventful match, Arsenal were at their attacking best at St Mary’s.
Saka once again showed why he is being touted for a big future with an energetic performance, which he capped with a fine goal, while Granit Xhaka and Lacazette also created goals.
Arsenal, who are close to signing attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid on loan, are still a long way from where Arteta wants them to be.
But there are clear signs the Gunners, who lost Thomas Partey to injury, are heading in the right direction after taking 16 points from the past 18 on offer.
Their players left the pitch wearing big smiles – a far cry from earlier in the season when they struggled to put a run of wins together.
What’s next?
Both teams are back in Premier League action on Saturday, with Southampton hosting Aston Villa (20:00 GMT) after Arsenal’s home game with Manchester United (17:30).
Source – BBC News
