Arsenal

Arsenal player ratings vs Southampton: Bukayo Saka keeps Premier League title dream alive as Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira drop stinkers

Charles Watts
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Bukayo Saka Arsenal 2022-23
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The Gunners drew with relegation-threatened Southampton to leave Manchester City firmly in the driving seat for the title

Arsenal struck twice in the final few minutes but could only draw 3-3 with relegation threatened Southampton as they let two more crucial points slip away in the Premier League title race.

A horrendous error by Aaron Ramsdale gifted Carlos Alcaraz the opening goal inside 30 seconds and things got even worse for the home side Theo Walcott doubled the visitors' lead after just 14 minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli reduced the deficit, but a Duje Caleta-Car header midway through the second half looked to have won the game for Southampton.

Martin Odegaard gave Arsenal some hope with a curled finish two minutes from time, however, before Bukayo Saka pounced from close range to equalise.

Arsenal had eight stoppage time minutes to try and grab a winner, but they couldn't find a way through, with Leandro Trossard coming closest when his shot clipped the crossbar.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium.

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Aaron Ramsdale (4/10):

    Horror moment after just 25 seconds. Set the tone for such a nervy display.

    Ben White (6/10):

    Probably Arsenal's best defender on the night. Had one header cleared off the line.

    Rob Holding (5/10):

    Slow in possession at times. Won his aerial battles well.

    Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):

    Looks very nervy without Saliba next to him.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):

    Not at his best. Lacked composure.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Thomas Partey (5/10):

    A bit isolated without Xhaka in the team. Couldn't get control.

    Fabio Vieira (3/10):

    No impact at all, replaced before the hour mark.

    Martin Odegaard (5/10):

    Lacked his usual quality to make something happen until he curled home the goal to spark the late fightback.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (7/10):

    Set up Martinelli's goal and always looked the most likely to make something happen. Was alert to make it 3-3.

    Gabriel Jesus (5/10):

    Missed a great chance in the second half.

    Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

    Along with Saka, the only real bright spark on the night for Arsenal.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Leandro Trossard (6/10):

    So close to scoring the winner in stoppage time.

    Eddie Nketiah (5/10):

    Gave Southampton something else to think about.

    Reiss Nelson (6/10):

    Very bright late cameo.

    Mikel Arteta (4/10):

    Bad night for the Arsenal manager. His players were poor and his decision to start Vieira backfired.