Southampton 1-3 Arsenal: teenager Bukayo Saka scores one and creates another

Teenager Bukayo Saka scored a wonderful goal and Arsenal continued their excellent league streak by coming back and beating Southampton in an eventful game.

But the lead lasted only five minutes, when Nicolás Pepe drew with a clean finish, before both sides created clear opportunities.

Former Saints defender Cedric Soares threw a very small volley at one end, while Bernd Leno made a flying save to avoid a Che Adams header at the other.

England winger Saka put the Gunners ahead after overtaking goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who had rushed out of his penalty area, before the 19-year-old chose Lacazette to seal the points.

Saka shines in graceful victory

When Southampton drew 1-1 at Emirates Stadium on December 16, Mikel Arteta’s team was pinned 15th on the table and trailed the Saints by 10 points.

This latest impressive victory lifted them above Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and moved them up to eighth place, five points out of the top four.

Arteta’s team is finally clicking, with a fifth win in six league games easing the pain of Saturday’s FA Cup outing at the hands of Southampton, while building further momentum ahead of Saturday’s intriguing home game with the Manchester United.

In an eventful match, Arsenal were at their offensive best at St Mary’s.

Saka proved once again why he is being touted for a great future with an energetic performance, which he capped with a fine goal, while Granit Xhaka and Lacazette also created goals.

Arsenal, who are close to signing on loan to attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, are still a long way from where Arteta wants them to be.

But there are clear signs that the Gunners, who lost Thomas Partey to injury, are heading in the right direction after taking 16 of the last 18 on offer.

His players left the court with big smiles, a far cry from what happened earlier in the season when they struggled to put together a winning streak.

Whats Next?

Both teams are back in Premier League action on Saturday, with Southampton hosting Aston Villa (20:00 GMT) after Arsenal’s home game with Manchester United (17:30).

More to follow.