Arsenal take on Southampton in the Premier League as they look to stay on track and remain in the title hunt.
Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, with four wins and two draws from their opening six matches, which should stand them in good stead ahead of the visit of a side they have never lost to in north London in 24 games.
Aaron Ramsdale will return to the Emirates for the first time since leaving the club in the summer and recently explained why he departed from north London to play for a club who could be threatened with relegation.
Arsenal go into the game on a 15-game unbeaten run, and Kai Havertz is one who will be looking to thrive after scoring his fifth goal in nine games on Tuesday during the club’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
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Arsenal vs Southampton
Southampton muster a brief foray into Arsenal territory, yet Calafiori shows great composure to bring the ball down and glide away from Stewart in the press. Arsenal come forward once more.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Rice takes the corner from the left, Ramsdale comes out, and Havertz takes it off the head of Gabriel! Just over.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Jorginho makes something out of nothing, as he picks out Havertz within the right-central channel. The German takes his time and Southampton can block it behind. Saka then puts in a deep corner that Ramsdale has to tip away for another on the left!
Arsenal vs Southampton
Well, their early dominance makes Arsenal look likely to continue their fine form at home. In fact, they have won 399 home games in the Premier League, and would be the second side to reach 400 in the competition after Manchester United (428). Meanwhile, only four sides have lost more away games in the Premier League than Southampton (246).
Arsenal vs Southampton
Saka gets double-teamed and gives away a foul. Manning lost his boot there in the skirmish with the England star.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Arsenal are unrelenting early here! Rice, Jesus and Sterling work the ball nicely into the box, yet with Bednarek pressing the Chelsea-loanee, he goes over. Harrington gives a goal-kick, though.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Southampton are living dangerously. Saka crosses low from the right to Jesus at the back post. The Brazilian’s shot is blocked by Bednarek, but questions will be asked about how that ball managed to go through so many in yellow there.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Saka takes the corner and Gabriel is there to nod down. However, it’s blocked. Then Jesus finds an effort snuffed out. As the pressure continues, Sterling forces his way through and goes down.Yet, it seems that he handled it and a goal or penalty wouldn’t have been given.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Arteta’s side are just happy to keep the ball, until Saka looks to stretch his legs early. After a ball into the box is contested by Havertz and Jesus, the visiting defence quickly usher it behind for a corner on the right.
Arsenal vs Southampton
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 28 home league games against Southampton (W19 D9) since a 1-0 loss in November 1987. Only against Fulham (a current run of 31) have they had a longer unbeaten home run in their league history. The Saints’ 24 Premier League away games against Arsenal is the most one side has visited another without ever winning in the competition’s history (D8 L16).