Arsenal recorded their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions by securing a 3-1 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The win leaves them just one point behind Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners got off to a strong start by applying pressure and creating numerous opportunities through corners, but despite promising signs early on, were unable to create any significant chances. That was the theme of the first half after the Saints weathered the initial storm, with Arsenal not threatening again until the end of the first 45 minutes, when Raheem Sterling’s shot was blocked by defender Jan Bednarek before Thomas Partey pulled off a save from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale forced.

Southampton managed to take the lead when Sterling was unable to spark an attack which led to a fine finish from Cameron Archer but they were unable to hold on for long. Just three minutes later, Bukayo Saka won the ball back and played in Kai Havertz, who emphatically finished the ball off the post.

Saka was involved again as the hosts took the lead with a superb pass that was tucked at the back post by substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who came on as part of a triple substitution by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. A third goal from Bukayo Saka in the 89th minute ensured there was no chance of a surprise.

Positive

The performances of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz will be reassuring for Arsenal fans as they continue to endure a period without Martin Odegaard. Three points also means the Gunners maintain their pressure at the top of the table as the international break approaches.

Negatives

Arsenal dropped out of the game midway through the first half and did not make the most of the periods when Southampton were under pressure. They could have been better defensively at times too, with Southampton finding opportunities to create chances in the second half.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Mikel Arteta, 7 – Arteta’s game plan caused plenty of problems for Southampton, who insisted on playing the ball out from the back, while it also took just 10 minutes for one of his substitutes to make an impact and Martinelli’s goal gave Arsenal the lead.

Player ratings

GK David Raya, 6 – Raya had little to do except get the ball out of the net and score Archer’s goal.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 — He was regularly involved in Arsenal’s build-up play on the left flank and posed a problem for Southampton when cutting inside, but could have defended better at times, particularly when he was beaten too easily by Southampton’s Tyler Dibling in the second half .

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 — Strong in the challenge when it comes to isolating opposing strikers and as always a threat from corners. Well positioned to eliminate the danger as Southampton tried to apply late pressure.

DF William Saliba, 6 – Didn’t deliver on demand after allowing Archer to turn onto his stronger foot before Southampton’s opener, but was otherwise flawless at the back.

DF Thomas Partey, 6 – In first-half stoppage time he forced a save with a shot from outside the box, but didn’t have much to do defensively as Southampton couldn’t create much on Arsenal’s right flank.

MF Declan Reis, 6 — Impressive runs from Rice helped create space which led to some promising attacks for Arsenal, with him taking possession of the ball to dominate the midfield.

MF Jorginho, 6 – He had some positive moments in the first half when he passed the ball to attacking players to help control the game. Replaced by Mikel Merino on the hour mark.

MF Kai Havertz, 8 – The 25-year-old produced an exceptional left-footed finish that gave Ramsdale no chance after the ball went past the post. Linked plays impressively forward and brings teammates into play with his attacks on long balls.

FW Raheem Sterling, 5 — He was unlucky with a shot just before half-time that looked like it would be saved by Bednarek. Partially to blame for Southampton’s goal after he was too easily dispossessed in midfield despite allegations of a foul.

FW Bukayo Saka, 9 – A common threat on the left in a game where Saka often won his duels and looked to beat his opponent before firing crosses into the box. Played a crucial role in Arsenal’s equalizer after intercepting a pass to win the ball before using Havertz to score. Capped his performance with a goal that sealed the game in the 89th minute. That makes two consecutive Man of the Match appearances in the Premier League for the 23-year-old.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 — He tried to be more direct in the second half with an early shot on goal, but overall wasn’t involved much before he was eventually replaced by Leandro Trossard after the hour.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Gabriel Martinelli (Sterling, 60″), 7 — It only took 10 minutes for Martinelli to make an impact with a well-timed run and finish from Saka’s pass, although his timing on his run was equally impressive.

Leandro Trossard (Jesus, 60″), 6 — Trossard held the ball up well under pressure and helped Arsenal control the game in the closing stages of the game. Driven straight at the defense to force a mistake that led to Saka’s goal.

Mikel Merino (Jorginho, 61″), 6 — Was composed in possession and kept the game going at a time when Arsenal needed to gain control before scoring his third goal. Two wins from two for the Spain international, who made his Premier League debut after starring against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey, 84″), N/R — Introduced late as Arsenal look to get through the rest of the game.

Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori, 90″), N/R – Shown as the Gunners ended their celebrations after Saka’s goal put the game out of reach.