Southampton and Arsenal performed out a heart-stopping 3-3 draw on the Emirates Stadium on Friday. The Premier League leaders have now drawn every of their final three video games. Southampton had a late two-goal lead on the evening however threw it away in added time.
The 2 groups entered the match in fully contrasting conditions. Whatever the consequence on the evening, Arsenal sits atop the Premier League standings, narrowly forward of reigning champions Manchester City. Southampton, alternatively, was backside of the desk originally of the day and the tip.
Saints begin quick in north London
However, the guests have been, extremely, on the scoresheet inside 30 seconds of the sport. England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a horrendous mistake to permit Southampton an excellent alternative. In an try and move the ball out from the again, Ramsdale as a substitute gave the ball straight to Carlos Alcaraz. The Argentine attacker gathered the ball and rapidly took the shot from distance to beat a diving Ramsdale.
Southampton doubled its lead within the 14th minute by the hands of former Gunner Theo Walcott. After yet one more giveaway, this time in midfield, Alcaraz collected the ball in a harmful place. Then, he ran in the direction of a retreating Arsenal protection. Alcaraz went from scorer to supplier, as he performed in an onrushing Walcott with a gorgeous move via the backline. Walcott fairly simply slotted the shot into the again of the online.
The Gunners lastly awoke and responded to Walcott’s strike with a purpose simply six minutes later. Star winger Bukayo Saka made a incredible run down the appropriate flank and despatched a cross right into a harmful space inside Southampton’s field. The ball ultimately made its strategy to Gabriel Martinelli within the heart of the world. Martinelli transformed his shot via the Saints’ protection to chop the deficit to 2-1.
After a frantic opening 20 minutes, the match settled. Though each groups had a number of strong possibilities to attain but once more, the primary half ended with three objectives. Ramsdale redeemed himself a bit with two high quality saves in back-to-back seconds. Arsenal additionally had a ball cleared off the road by a Saints defender simply earlier than the break.
Guests add a 3rd to place the sport away
Southampton would, nonetheless, seize their third purpose of the sport within the 66th minute. Totally towards the grain, the guests have been capable of capitalize after incomes a nook kick. James Ward-Prowse picked out Armel Bella-Kotchap contained in the field, who then flicked a header towards Duje Ćaleta-Automobile. The substitute past Ramsdale in purpose.
Arsenal scores twice late towards Southampton to power draw
Whereas it seemed like a sure loss for Arsenal, the hosts have been capable of get again into the sport with two late objectives. Martin Odegaard grabbed his twelfth purpose of the present marketing campaign with solely two minutes remaining in common time. The same old playmaker struck an ideal curling shot into the again of the online from outdoors of the field. Saka then scored a purpose of his personal in added time. The star England worldwide latched onto a free ball contained in the six-yard field and leveled the scoreline with a meticulous end.
At least, the draw might give the Gunners a little bit of morale increase. Within the grand scheme, although, the end result doesn’t assist both facet. Southampton stays within the basement of the highest flight. Arsenal, alternatively, is now 5 factors forward of Metropolis. Nevertheless, the reigning champs have two further video games in hand.
The highest two groups additionally should face off next week. The matchup in Manchester may very properly assist decide the league champions.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport