Arsenal vs Southampton LIVE!

Arsenal bounced back from conceding a goal to lowly Southampton to win 3-1 after a pulsating second half in their Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with winger Bukayo Saka instrumental in the Gunners' victory.

After a dull first half, the visiting Saints, who came into the game in 19th place in the league with a single point to their name, took a surprising lead through Cameron Archer in the 55th minute. But it was short-lived as Saka teed up Kai Havertz to equalise less than four minutes later.

Substitute Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead in the 69th minute with a brilliant first-time finish from close range after Saka picked him out at the back post with a superb cross, and Saka got on the scoresheet himself in the 88th minute to put the game out of reach.

The win means Arsenal head into the international break in third spot in the table on 17 points, level with second-placed Manchester City and one behind leaders Liverpool. Read the game back below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs Southampton latest updates

• GOAL! Saka sweeps home to seal win

• GOAL! Stunning Saka assist as Martinelli volleys home

• GOAL! Havertz hits back instantly

• GOAL! Archer stuns Emirates

• CROSSBAR! Southampton denied shock opener

17:04 , Alex Young

You can read our match report here.

Full-time!

16:58 , Alex Young

100min: That’s that! Gunners keep pace with Liverpool and Man City, who both also win today.

16:56 , Alex Young

97min: Southampton staring a 20th consecutive Premier League game without a win in the face.

16:54 , Alex Young

95min: Arsenal fancy a fourth, Southampton in no danger of pulling one back it seems.

16:50 , Alex Young

91min: NINE minutes added on.

16:49 , Alex Young

90min: Calafiori is swapped out for Kiwior.

GOAL!

16:47 , Alex Young

88min: That wraps it up!

A goal to add to two assists for Saka, as he sweeps home inside the area after Trossard loses the ball.

16:45 , Alex Young

86min: Walker-Peters left in a heap after a challenge from Saka. He should be fine to continue.

16:42 , Alex Young

84min: Tomiyasu is on for Partey.

16:41 , Alex Young

83min: Tomiyasu is warming up for his first minutes of the season.

16:39 , Alex Young

80min: Straight up the other end, Havertz sees a shot fly into the near side netting.

POST AND CROSSBAR HIT!

16:38 , Alex Young

79min: Seconds after Dibling hits the outside of the post, Harwood-Bellis now strikes the bar from close range at a corner routine.

16:36 , Alex Young

77min: Southampton still plugging away as Archer tries to carve open some space in the final third but is quickly crowded out.

16:33 , Alex Young

73min: That triple change, coming a minute after Arsenal equalised, has put the Gunners in full control.

Dom Smith at Emirates

16:31 , Alex Young

Martinelli is off the bench to score what could prove a priceless goal for Arsenal.

They've turned it around. He's onside from Saka’s ball - though the VAR took a good long while to determine that.

GOAL!

16:28 , Alex Young

69min: Gunners lead!

Just an incredible cross from Saka to put it on a plate for Martinelli to volley home from a yard.

16:25 , Alex Young

66min: We’re back to wave after wave of Arsenal attacks. What a reaction to going behind.

16:23

64min: Partey drills a shot and it’s flying into the top corner before Bednarek sticks in a boot to deflect it behind.

16:20 , Alex Young

61min: Triple Arsenal change as Jorginho, Jesus and Sterling make way for Merino, Martinelli and Trossard.

Dom Smith at the Emirates

16:19 , Alex Young

They weren't behind for long, were they!

Havertz finishes with aplomb, via the post, to settle nerves and restore parity for the Gunners.

The home support inside the Emirates is alive once more. Confidence now that Arsenal can go and get this game won.

GOAL!

16:17 , Alex Young

58min: Instant response!

Havertz scores once again, running onto Partey’s pass, shifts his feet and beats Ramsdale via the post.

Seven goals in a row at home!

Dom Smith at the Emirates

16:16 , Alex Young

That turnover of play came when Sterling was pinched of the ball by Fernandes and felt he should have had a free-kick.

Southampton's counter-attack was quick, clinical, and caught Arsenal's back-line napping as Partey had to run into centre-back to cover for Gabriel.

GOAL!

16:15 , Alex Young

55min: Now they score!

Fernandes sends a ball over the top for Archer, who runs onto it, cuts inside and beats Raya!

Dom Smith at the Emirates

16:12 , Alex Young

A huge let-off that. No wonder Russell Martin is first to congratulate Dibling. The younger's run was an excellent one. Arsenal have got to be so careful.

16:11 , Alex Young

52min: Sterling has been so lively, and does brilliantly to get to the byline before trying to find Havertz... but only wins a corner.

CROSSBAR!

16:09 , Alex Young

49min: Southampton should score!

Dibling leaves Calafiori for dead on the flank, spots the run of Fernandes, whose effort comes off the bar!

16:06 , Alex Young

47min: Southampton persevering with playing out from the back.

Second half!

16:04 , Alex Young

46min: ...back at it! No changes.

16:03 , Alex Young

The players are back in the tunnel, slowly making their way back out.

16:03 , Alex Young

Any changes at the break for Arsenal or Southampton? You feel the visitors may be tempted.

Dom Smith at the Emirates

15:53 , Alex Young

Arsenal yet to break the deadlock, and I’m not sure how. They have been all over Southampton, who continue to play out from the back no matter the situation.

The Gunners haven't had too many clear-cut openings, but they have broken into the Saints box plenty. A little more decisive in the box, and they'd be ahead.

A big second half coming.

Half-time!

15:48 , Alex Young

48min: There’s the whistle! All square at the break.

15:48 , Alex Young

47min: Ramsdale looks in some pain.

15:47 , Alex Young

46min: Partey forces a low save from Ramsdale, who can only parry into the path of Sterling... who fires wide.

Dom Smith at the Emirates

15:46 , Alex Young

That was nestling in the top corner from Sterling. Such an important block from Bednarek.

15:45 , Alex Young

44min: Oh, Sterling goes so close! A great arrowed finish which is blocked by a defender.

Two minutes added on.

15:43 , Alex Young

42min: Dibling and Gabriel battle on the edge of the area, it looks like the Southampton man has been fouled... but the referee doesn’t agree.

15:41 , Alex Young

40min: Jorginho sends Ramsdale scrambling across goal with a shot on the angle, but gets a tad too much spice on it.

Close, but not close enough.

15:39 , Alex Young

38min: Jesus pauses too long on the ball and ignores (or doesn’t see) Saka racing past him and into space on the counter, allowing Southampton to get back and get a foot in.

Dom Smith at the Emirates

15:36 , Alex Young

Riccardo Calafiori is Arsenal's left-back today, but in name only. He has popped up on the right on occasion and is spending most of the match as an auxiliary midfielder.

Arsenal's formation is a fluid one, and it's causing the visitors plenty of problems.

15:36 , Alex Young

35min: Rice drills a low delivery into the area but it’s easy pickings for Southampton.

15:35 , Alex Young

34min: Another free kick for Arsenal out wide near the edge of the area after Jesus is pulled back by Bednarek.

15:34 , Alex Young

33min: Another corner, this time Rice plays it short to Sterling to spots Saka on the edge of the area... and he sends a shot into Row Z.

15:33 , Alex Young

31min: Great block from Walker-Peters on Havertz as the forward fires through bodies in the area.

Arsenal building momentum again.

15:31 , Alex Young

30min: Free kick out wide for Arsenal, which Saka curls towards the back post and Ramsdale claims.

15:28 , Alex Young

27min: Nope, Archer replaces him. Such a shame for the injury-hit striker.

15:27 , Alex Young

25min: Concern for Southampton as Stewart requires medical attention. He may try to continue.

15:23 , Alex Young

23min: Saka hits the deck after a tough tackle from Walker-Peters. Looks like an accident, to be fair.

15:23 , Alex Young

21min: Rice sends in another one but this one sails out of play.

15:22 , Alex Young

20min: Another Saka corner, towards the back post and again Ramsdale comes and doesn’t get anywhere near. Another one to come.

Dom Smith at the Emirates

15:20 , Alex Young

Patient build-up play from Arsenal down the right, with Southampton doubling up on Saka and the Englishman combining nicely with stand-in right-back Thomas Partey.

ou sense the Gunners are getting closer to taking the lead here.

15:19 , Alex Young

17min: A weak half-volley effort on target from Southampton. More than I expected from them after the opening 15 mins.

15:16 , Alex Young

15min: Now Saka is the one who takes a tumble in the area, but immediately gets back onto his feet as Southampton clear and cross the halfway line for the first time (I think).

15:14

12min: A couple of quick corners from Arsenal, Ramsdale deals with the first but gets nowhere near the second as Havertz heads over.

Gabriel was right behind the forward, could well have got his header on target.

15:09 , Alex Young

9min: This is relentless from Arsenal, wave after wave.

Southampton just cannot keep hold of the ball, and aren't helping themselves with risky passes.

15:08 , Alex Young

8min: Shouts for an Arsenal penalty as Sterling takes a tumble in the box but the referee isn’t interested.

Sterling is incensed, but it looks like the correct call.

15:07 , Alex Young

6min: Here’s another wave as Saka comes down the right and drills the ball across goal for Jesus, but the stri

15:06 , Alex Young

4min: Oh, Southampton survive the first wave as Sterling is unable to bundle home!

15:05 , Alex Young

3min: Calm possession from Arsenal in the opening stages, Southampton not doing too much to press.

Kick-off

15:00 , Alex Young

1min: Up and running!

14:57 , Alex Young

Here they come, Ramsdale exchanging words with Rice as they walk out and Eminem blares out over the PA system.

14:56 , Alex Young

The coaches are out, the players are not far behind.

Martin Odegaard issues injury update

14:50 , Alex Young

The Arsenal captain has provided the latest in the matchday programme.

“I just wanted to start with the latest on my injury and rehab. In the last week or so I’ve made really good progress.

“I’m getting better and better by the day and feel it’s going well. When you feel like things are moving forward, it gives you motivation to do more and more, and work harder.

“Today is our last game before another international break, so that gives me some more time to work on the rehab, too. Hopefully it won’t be much longer; I think we will know more as soon as I get out on the training pitches and we see how my ankle responds to that.

“At the moment it’s progressing well and it looks better than we were thinking, but we’ve still got to take every day as it comes. Anyway, it looks as though the team don’t really need me at the moment!”

14:41 , Alex Young

Aaron Ramsdale is all smiles while back at the Emirates. At least he'll be playing this time.

14:30 , Alex Young

Gabriel Martinelli is the programme cover star but no place in the starting XI.

14:27 , Alex Young

So, Liverpool have won 1-0 at Crystal Palace. They did not have it all their own way, and lost Alisson to injury with about 15 minutes to play, but move four points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal head of the 3pm kick-offs.

Dom Smith at Emirates Stadium

14:22 , Alex Young

Though Calafiori has slotted in well at left-back since coming into the team - including a memorable goal at the Etihad - Arsenal will be relying on two unnatural fits at full-back today, with Thomas Partey dropping back from midfield because of Jurrien Timber and Ben White's absence.

It remains to be seen which flank Calafiori and Partey play, but there's no doubt Southampton will try to target those positions as perceived weaknesses. Will be interesting to see how the duo cope.

14:15 , Alex Young

Raheem Sterling is trusted from the off today, having scored one and assisted another against Bolton last week.

It’s a big chance for the loanee from Chelsea, having been afforded just 10-15mins in cameos appearances in the Premier League thus far.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will be watching on from the bench.

14:08 , Alex Young

It's three changes for Arsenal as Sterling is handed his first league start and is joined by Jorginho and Jesus.

Martinelli and Trossard are on the bench, and injured Timber misses out entirely.

Southampton make four changes as Walker-Peters, Manning, Aribo and Stewart come in.

Dom Smith checks in

14:02

Our man in north London with more on the teams.

Team news in full

13:54

Arsenal XI: Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, Partey; Havertz, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Sterling

Subs: Neto, Martinelli, Kiwor, Tomiyasu, Trossard, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Butler-Oyedeji

Southampton XI: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Downes, Aribo, Manning; Fernandes; Dibling, Stewart

Subs: McCarthy, Taylor, Bree, Ugochukwu, Lallana, Archer, Brereton Diaz, Armstrong, Onuachu

Arsenal XI

13:48 , Alex Young

...and the hosts!

Southampton XI

13:47 , Alex Young

Here’s how the visitors look!

13:44 , Alex Young

Starts for Sterling and Jesus today. Confirmed XI to follow.

13:37 , Alex Young

Early reports suggest no start for Nwaneri today.

13:30 , Alex Young

Team news expected in about 15 minutes, with question marks over White and Timber’s fitness.

Arsenal vs Southampton match odds

13:25 , Alex Young

Arsenal to win: 1/12

Draw: 7/1

Southampton to win: 18/1

Ramsdale: Arsenal title win wouldn't have meant much to me

13:19 , Alex Young

Aaron Ramsdale says Arsenal winning the Premier League title "wouldn't have meant much" to him unless he was playing.

Arsenal again ended up empty-handed last season but, in a surprising admission, Ramsdale says any piece of silverware won while he was not on the pitch would not have mattered to him.

"If I was sitting on the bench, [winning a trophy] wouldn't have meant that much to me," Ramsdale told BBC Sport's Football Focus.

"I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench. Getting out and playing was my aim so I'm lucky I found myself here at Southampton."

Arteta plans to confuse Ramsdale

13:11 , Alex Young

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will play “mind games” with returning goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale when it comes to set-piece routines.

Arsenal have been prolific at scoring from set-pieces under Arteta, with the help of coach Nicolas Jover, with 44 goals since 2021. But Arteta is aware his players may need to change up their antics with Ramsdale very familiar with the routines.

“Maybe we will tell him that we will adapt something but then do the same thing so he’s going to be thinking we’re going to adapt it,” Arteta said on Friday. “So there is going to be some mind games. I’m sure that they will have discussed that.

“It’s not the first time that we have played against a player that was in our camp, it’s natural that it happens. So we need to have the capacity to understand and continue to do our things.”

Read more here!

Ramsdale's return

13:03 , Alex Young

Aaron Ramdale lost his place as Arsenal No1 last season, just weeks after he was awarded a new contract, when David Raya was signed from Brentford.

Arteta has been speaking about his former keeper.

“I called him straight away after I got the news [of his move to Southampton],” Arteta said of Ramsdale. “He was really happy. He is a player we love a lot. Very charismatic. He really put his fingerprints here in the way he was. And it will be very nice to see him.

“I was very grateful for what he did. When we signed him, there was a lot of noise around him. We helped him to create the environment that he needed, because we believed in his potential. He showed it. He won the respect and admiration of all of us.

“Then the circumstances changed, because this is elite sport and it can happen. Then it was difficult to deal with that situation in a natural way. We decided to part ways. Hopefully he is grateful as well.”

Arsenal vs Southampton prediction

12:56 , Alex Young

Mikel Arteta will be well aware of the damaging results against Southampton in the previous two times these two teams met, but this Saints side do not appear to pose the same threat as the squad of two seasons ago despite being relegated.

More importantly, this Arsenal squad also looks far stronger than the team battling for the title in April 2023, so should have little problems recording another win this weekend.

The wobble against Leicester will be a concern, but the return of Mikel Merino to fitness is a boost in the midfield.

Arsenal to win, 3-0.

Southampton team news

12:50 , Alex Young

Aaron Ramsdale returns to the Emirates for the first time since joining Southampton in the summer.

The goalkeeper endured a tough final season in north London but is understood to have left on good terms.

Otherwise, it's a case of as you were for Southampton, with Gavin Bazunu, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jack Stephens and William Smallbone no closer to returns.

Arsenal team news

12:42 , Alex Young

Arsenal could potentially be handed a triple boost in defence this afternoon.

Jurrien Timber and Ben White were both kept out of training on Thursday to manage their load but are “close” to featuring and a decision on their involvement has not yet been made, according to Mikel Arteta.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, meanwhile, is on the verge of making his first-team return from a knee injury, having not yet made an appearance this season.

Arteta was on Friday asked for an update on the recoveries of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard, who are out with calf and ankle injuries respectively.

“Alex [Zinchenko] probably after the international break, if everything goes well”, said Arteta. “He’s progressing really well.

“Martin, it’s very difficult, because I expected still [wearing] the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and is feeling good and is pushing, so difficult to give a timeline.”

How to watch in UK

12:35

TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.

Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.30pm BST.

Welcome

12:28 , Alex Young

Good afternoon and welcome to the Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Southampton.

It’s another favourable home game for the Gunners, though last week’s visit of Leicester moved far trickier than expected.

Aaron Ramsdale is back for the first time since his £25million summer exit - more on that shortly, could he produce the better performance of his career and upset his former side.

Kick-off is at 3pm. Stick with us.