- Arsenal 3-3 Southampton – Gunners Leave it late to secure a draw, but drop points in title race
It was evident in the opening minutes that Arsenal let the pressure affect them against bottom of the table Southampton. The Gunners conceded right at the start when goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale misplaced a pass to hand Southampton an early chance, which Alcaraz took delightfully. The Argentinian turned provider just 13 minutes later after the Gunners lost possession in the middle of the park. Alcaraz picked out former Arsenal star Theo Walcott, who slotted home expertly to give the saints a shock 2-0 lead.
Arsenal needed a spark, with their title dreams fading right before their very own eyes. Star man Bukayo Saka came to the rescue when he found Gabriel Martinelli in the box after some good work down the right-hand side. The Brazilian volleyed home for his 15th of the season. Southampton extended their lead in the second half, just 6 minutes after the hour mark, Duje Caleta-Car headed home from close range.
Arsenal tried to get back in the game to no avail till a 88th minute curler by captain fantastic Martin Odegaard found the bottom-left corner. That goal created the momentum for a 90th minute equalizer from Saka, but despite having some minutes to spare after equalizing, Arsenal could not find the winner.
Emotional Arsenal Drop Points Again
Arsenal are feeling the pressure, and they are caving game-by-game. They approached the Southampton game with the 2-2 draw at West Ham still at the back of their minds, and it has potentially cost them the top spot. The Gunners now find themselves just 5 points above City despite playing two more games than their title rivals. Arsenal face Manchester City next week Wednesday at the Etihad, and that game will determine their status going into the final 6 matches of the campaign.
