Long is shown a late yellow card for a cynical foul which breaks up play.
90' +4
T. Johnson enters the game and replaces S. Armstrong.
Hasenhuttl looks to sap precious time from the clock as Armstrong is replaced by Johnson.
90' +1
Mkhitaryan fashions a chance but can only direct his effort into the hands of McCarthy who does well to hang on despite the rain lashing down.
89'
The fourth official indicates five additional minutes!
85'
C. Austin has scored a goal for Southampton! Assist by S. Long.
That goal came via two substitutes, as Austin’s finish was set up by Long’s brilliant assist.
AUSTIN MAKES IT 3-2! Arsenal’s 22-match unbeaten run is in danger as the substitute makes his presence felt! Hojbjerg wins the ball in midfield and releases Long who chips a far-post cross to the head of Austin to nod in, evading the flailing hand of Leno in the process! The hosts need to hang on for five more minutes, and they'll have an incredible victory!
84'
Ozil’s corner is met at the near post by Koscielny, but his backwards flick-on doesn’t curl into the far post, nor does it meet the head of another team-mate as Southampton narrowly get it away.
82'
With 10 minutes remaining, Hasenhuttl must be relatively content with a point, despite his side being in a position to win on two separate occasions. Three points is not out of the question for the hosts, but they have not been the same dynamic side in the second half, and Arsenal have really been allowed to dominate the flow of the match.
80'
A Southampton corner, taken towards Armstrong, is cleared immediately - allowing Aubameyang to break free and spark a dangerous counter-attack. Guendouzi’s strike from the left is deflected, taking some of the sting out of the shot and allowing Aubameyang to try and turn it home from the far post, but he can only send the chance wide, ending the move!
74'
A. Maitland-Niles enters the game and replaces S. Lichtsteiner.
Lichtsteiner will be unable to finish the match following that slide tackle from Armstrong. Maitland-Niles is on to replace him.
Minute
Description
71'
C. Austin enters the game and replaces D. Ings.
S. Armstrong gets yellow.
As soon as the substitution is made, Arsenal looks to have an injury concern as Armstrong slides through the back of Lichtsteiner, sending the defender to ground holding his knee. He’ll earn a yellow card for that dangerous tackle.
Austin replaces Ings who will not be afforded a chance to score a home hat-trick.
70'
M. Özil enters the game and replaces A. Iwobi.
Iwobi leaves the match on a positive note, as Ozil comes on with 20 minutes remaining.
69'
Iwobi is involved again as he plays a fantastic pass over the foot of Long and into the penalty area for Mkhitaryan, who returns it promptly. The Nigeria international then puts a low cross into the six-yard box for Aubameyang to attack, but McCarthy gets there first.
67'
Mkhitaryan looks to play a bit of one-touch passing with Lichtsteiner on the right following a throw-in, but an unfortunate deflection off the hand of the forward forces the referee to blow his whistle and allow Southampton to take a free-kick from which they clear their lines.
65'
Iwobi receives the ball on the left and plays an incisive pass through the midfield towards the edge of the penalty area, but none of his team-mates make the corresponding run to latch onto the delivery, causing frustration amongst the visiting ranks as Southampton play it clear.
63'
S. Long enters the game and replaces N. Redmond.
Redmond is removed by Hasenhuttl as it appears as though the winger is carrying an injury. Long is his replacement.
62'
Armstrong and Targett stand over the set-piece, but it’s the latter who swings it in, looking for the head of Vestergaard, though Koscielny lifts a leg and volleys a well-timed clearance away from danger.
60'
L. Koscielny gets yellow.
Targett plays a pass down the left for Redmond who is pushed over cynically by Koscielny. The defender is shown a yellow card, and Southampton are presented with a set-piece in a good position, just outside the penalty area.
59'
Hojbjerg plays a simple pass forward to Ings, but the striker is caught flat-footed, and Arsenal can step forward and win possession under little pressure.
57'
Redmond is squeezed off the ball by a combination of Lichtsteiner and Torreira as none of his Southampton team-mates comes to provide a passing option. Arsenal are certainly in the ascendancy, and look the more likely of the two to take the lead, should a fifth goal be scored in this match.
55'
Hasenhuttl has gone from positive to absolutely furious on the touchline as he looks completely unable to believe the goal his side just conceded. It’s incredibly unfortunate as Southampton have looked unable to carry their positive momentum into the second half.
53'
H. Mkhitaryan has scored a goal for Arsenal! Assist by A. Lacazette.
Another Emery substitution works to perfection as Lacazette earns an assist after being on the pitch for less than 10 minutes.
ARSENAL SOMEHOW FIND A SECOND GOAL! 2-2! Romeu is caught in possession after holding it for too long on the edge of his penalty area, and Lacazette nips in to win the ball before opening up space for Mkhitaryan, whose weak shot from a central position takes a lucky deflection off the foot of Vestergaard and rolls its way past McCarthy into the net!
51'
J. Bednarek gets yellow.
Bednarek rushes through the back of Lacazette in a poor attempt to win the ball – and earns the first yellow card of the match.
50'
Aubameyang keeps the ball in play after chasing it down the left, but his centring pass is cut out immediately by Bednarek who fires it down the pitch as the Southampton defence stand firm.
46'
A. Lacazette enters the game and replaces Héctor Bellerín.
Bellerin picked up a knock just before half-time, and he will not come out in the second, as Lacazette is his replacement.
Arsenal get the second half underway from the kick-off, down 2-1!
45' +2
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 2-1 ARSENAL.
45' +1
The fourth official indicates an additional two minutes at the end of the half for stoppages.
44'
D. Ings has scored a goal for Southampton! Assist by N. Redmond.
Redmond has been a great outlet for his team-mates, involving himself at every opportunity. His reward is an assist as Saints look poised to head into the half with the lead!
THAT’S TWO FOR INGS AS SAINTS RETAKE THE LEAD! A second goal, a second simple header for the Southampton number nine as Redmond chips a cross into the centre of the penalty area from the edge of the box, on the right-hand corner. The forward steps in-between Lichtsteiner and Koscielny yet again, and wins the ball – looping his headed effort over Leno and into the goal!
43'
GREAT HANDS BY MCCARTHY! Bellerin fires a cross into the six-yard box from the right, looking for Iwobi’s central run, or Aubameyang at the far post, but the goalkeeper steps out confidently and keeps his hands on the ball, making an important catch without spilling it.
42'
Hojbjerg takes a pass down on his chest just inside the Arsenal penalty area and looks to flick it over his head for Redmond to run onto, but the pass isn’t hit with any accuracy and Arsenal can foil the chance, though they gift the hosts a corner thanks to a poor, rushed clearance.
40'
Armstrong has a left-foot shot from the edge of the box but he fails to make meaningful contact, sending a slow, rolling pass towards Leno. That’s disappointing as the forward could have really tested the keeper from that range.
38'
Torreira combines well with Mkhitaryan on the right, but the forward’s return is miscued and bounces up for a Southampton midfielder to intercept. The Saints now have the ball in midfield, attacking quickly through Armstrong as the run of play once again switches unexpectedly. Both sides have shown dominance in the first half, making the 1-1 score a fairly accurate representation.
36'
Ings is taken down by a heavy challenge from Koscielny, but the referee chooses to not blow for a foul. The striker only just gets up after the ensuing Arsenal counter-attack ends in the arms of McCarthy – and he’s limping slightly.
34'
Hasenhuttl must be very encouraged with the way his side have played, despite losing the lead. Hojbjerg and Redmond are playing at the required level - putting their quality on display. For a first home match in charge, there are a lot of positives for the Austrian manager.
30'
Two goals in the space of 10 minutes, both with headed finishes coming via the left-back's cross. An odd bit of symmetry sees the two sides level with just under 15 minutes left in the first half. It’s been a wonderful game so far, with both sides attacking fearlessly.
28'
H. Mkhitaryan has scored a goal for Arsenal! Assist by Nacho Monreal.
Monreal’s cross was inch-perfect, putting it in a spot where only his team-mate could attack it. He’ll get the assist on the goal!
ARSENAL MAKE IT 1-1! It's curse of the commentator as the Gunners bring it level though Mkhitaryan with a left-wing cross of their own! Iwobi speeds down the left before pushing it forward for Monreal who continues the run. The wing-back gets to the byline before pulling back a cross to the centre of the penalty area for Mkhitaryan, who heads home the equaliser!
26'
Lichtsteiner runs forward and plays it into Mkhitaryan looking for a return, but the Armenia international pushes it backwards for Torreira, who is forced to shed his marker by running into his own half, ruining any momentum the move had. It’s a typical start for Arsenal who have not begun matches well this season.
24'
Hojbjerg is playing very well as he comes across to win possession again in his own half. He’s been instrumental in both breaking down Arsenal’s moves, as well as starting the attack with a lovely range of passing.
22'
Redmond centres it for Armstrong on the edge of the penalty area, and the left-winger tries a first-time curler which is immediately blocked. The attack breaks down to nothing, but it’s positive signs from Southampton who look like they want more than just one!
20'
D. Ings has scored a goal for Southampton! Assist by M. Targett.
Targett has been making wonderful runs down the left, and this time his cross finally connects with a team-mate! It's Ings' goal, but Targett will get the assist.
INGS GIVES SOUTHAMPTON THE 1-0 ADVANTAGE! Armstrong plays it to the left for Targett who wins some space in front of Bellerin and whips in a superb cross, which drops between two Arsenal centre-backs, allowing Ings to attack it with his head - which he does with enthusiasm!
18'
Captain Hojbjerg wins it on the edge of his own penalty area and charges forward, getting into the Arsenal half before shifting it to the right for Redmond. The right-winger switches play for Armstrong, who cuts inside and curls an effort which forces Leno to drop to his side to make the catch.
16'
A pass forward from Vestergaard to Armstrong is intercepted as the Southampton forward slips on a patch of grass – allowing Arsenal to carry it out of defence. The hosts have had enough of the ball to fashion something meaningful, but have not yet put it all together.
14'
The Saints have the ball in defence, but are unable to find anybody open in midfield – as they force it back to McCarthy. The lumped ball forward from the goalkeeper goes out for a throw-in in midfield immediately, gifting Arsenal the ball back.
12'
Arsenal are pressing a Southampton throw-in very efficiently, forcing the Saints to retake it a number of times. The high intensity, led by Torreira has been constant by the Gunners all season, and it is a joy to watch when executed correctly.
8'
Redmond storms forward, leading a counter-attack of about five Southampton players – and distributes it to the left, looking for Targett. The left wing-back swings a cross into the penalty area, but nobody is around to fire it towards Leno. Arsenal are allowed to clear it away comfortably as the Saints fail to capitalise.
7'
Guendouzi plays a beautiful, lifted pass over Yoshida for Aubameyang which plays the striker into the penalty area with incredible accuracy. McCarthy closes the angle down well – giving Arsenal nothing more than a corner.
5'
Arsenal have changed shape to match their opponents – preferring to go with three instead of four defenders. The Gunners’ defensive woes due to injury and suspension have caused Emery to employ a makeshift rearguard including Lichsteiner and Xhaka playing out of position either side of Koscielny – who is starting a Premier League fixture for the first time this season.
3'
Mkhitaryan gives the ball away in midfield allowing Southampton to attack on the counter, but Targett’s cross into the penalty area is looking for the unlikely Redmond, who loses the aerial duel and gives away a free-kick.
1'
The Saints get the match underway from the kick-off!
Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Premier League fixture between Southampton and Arsenal from St. Mary’s Stadium!
The supposed new manager bounce didn’t work in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first match in charge of Southampton, as the Saints fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to newly promoted Cardiff City. The South Coast side are currently in a horrendous run of form which has seen them fail to earn a victory in their last 11 Premier League matches, since beating Crystal Palace 2-0 in London on September 1.
Holders of penultimate place in the league, it’s as dire as it’s been for Saints since their return to the Premier League in 2012-13. A complete inability to beat opposition goalkeepers has doomed them to a number of scoreless draws and narrow defeats – while a defensive collapse is always likely when the team manages to find the back of the net. Despite managing two goals against Manchester United, they failed to hold a 2-0 lead and only managed a point – a week after losing to bottom side Fulham 3-2 after holding a winning position.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have put together an incredible run of form that sees them without defeat in their last 22 matches in all competitions. Their 1-0 victory over Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday qualified the Gunners for the knockout stages as victors, with their 16 points three higher than second-place Sporting Lisbon.
Despite their fantastic football in the second half of matches, Arsenal are thoroughly unable to take a lead into half time in the Premier League, having emerged victorious late yet again last time out; this time over Huddersfield Town thanks to a stunning 83rd minute overhead kick from Lucas Torreira. They come up against a Saints side whose average time of conceding their first goal is at the 53rd minute – making the trend seem likely to continue.
ARSENAL XI (4-3-3): Bernd Leno; Hector Bellerin, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi; Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi.
SOUTHAMPTON SUBS: Charlie Austin, James Ward-Prowse, Steven Davis, Wesley Hoedt, Tyreke Johnson, Angus Gunn, Shane Long.
SOUTHAMPTON XI (3-4-3): Alex McCarthy; Maya Yoshida, Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek; Matt Targett, Oriol Romeu, Per-Emile Hojbjerg, Yan Valery; Stuart Armstrong, Danny Ings, Nathan Redmond.
With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, the team news has been confirmed! Let's start with the home side!
ARSENAL SUBS: Mesut Ozil, Mohamed Elneny, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Aaron Ramsey, Petr Cech, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Arsenal have started the match in typical fashion, looking somewhat uninterested before really concerning themselves after going down a goal. Mkhitaryan's quick equaliser stunned the home support after his simple finish from a Monreal cross mirrored the earlier Ings goal, but it wasn’t enough to break Southampton’s resolve, as the Gunners went down again just before the half. Emery has a number of attacking options on the bench to change the game in the second half, however, so there are definitely more goals to be had in this one!
Danny Ings is the difference at half-time as his two headed goals give Southampton a 2-1 lead going into the break. The hosts have looked very positive, having nine shots despite seeing less than 40% of the ball. Hojbjerg has been leading the side by example, winning a number of important challenges and forcing Arsenal to divert their attacks from the centre. The service has been fantastic from both flanks, with both a right and left-sided player earning an assist on an Ings finish. Hasenhuttl must be pleased, but it will be a tough second-45 minutes against a side who come alive late in matches.
That concludes our Premier League commentary of the fixture between Southampton and Arsenal! We hope you enjoyed it!
Southampton will be in action again next Saturday when they travel to face Huddersfield Town. Arsenal face rivals Tottenham in a midweek EFL Cup fixture between hosting Burnley in the Premier League next weekend.
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