Arsenal managed a last-minute comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Southampton, preserving their title aspirations. Nonetheless, after their third Premier League match without a win, Manchester City leads the title race with the two teams facing off on Wednesday.
Although Arsenal had lost four points in their last two games due to consecutive draws, they were heavily favored against a struggling Southampton team. However, Rubén Sellés’ side shocked the crowd by taking the lead in just 27 seconds when Aaron Ramsdale’s goal-kick went straight to Carlos Alcaraz, who curled his shot into the top left corner. The Emirates fell silent as Theo Walcott doubled the lead for Southampton after 14 minutes.
The Gunners responded with purpose, as Bukayo Saka’s cross found Gabriel Martinelli, who scored his 15th league goal of the season. Southampton’s two-goal advantage could have been restored, but Ramsdale made crucial saves to keep the deficit at one at halftime.
Arsenal’s pursuit of league glory required another turnaround. Despite dominating after the break, they missed their chances and fell further behind when Duje Caleta-Car scored from a corner to make it 3-1. It seemed the Gunners had run out of steam, but Martin Ødegaard’s goal in the 88th minute revived their hopes, and Saka’s equalizer set up a thrilling finale. The match ended in a draw, leaving both teams disappointed.
Man of the Match: Carlos Alcaraz (Southampton)
Photo credit: IMAGO/Sportimage/David Klein
