Santi Cazorla scored from the penalty spot to give Arsenal a dramatic late 2-1 victory over Southampton at the Emirates this afternoon.
Claude Puel's side went ahead in the first half when Dusan Tadic's free kick was helped into the net by goalkeeper Petr Cech, but Laurent Koscielny responded with an overhead kick before the half-time break.
The match looked destined for a draw after Arsenal squandered numerous opportunities, but they made the most from a penalty, which was awarded after Jose Fonte was spotted pulling Olivier Giroud's shirt.
Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.
2.00pmHello everyone! The international break was cruel to us as we were denied Premier League action for an entire fortnight! The good news is that it's back and we have some juicy fixtures to enjoy. Currently, the Manchester derby is in full swing (it's currently 2-1 to City...). We have seven other games on the calendar today, but right here, we will be focusing on the clash between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates.
2.03pmThe news building up to this fixture has surrounded Arsenal's summer signings Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez. Both are available to make their debuts, but you'll have to wait for the official team news to discover if they start this afternoon! The Gunners are looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season as their first win came three games into the campaign - it was a 3-1 triumph over Watford.
2.06pmAs for Southampton, they have not quite set the world alight under new manager Claude Puel as they are yet to win a league fixture this season. The Saints have had two draws and a defeat, and are so far struggling to pose the same threat that they had under former boss Ronald Koeman. However, they were unbeaten against Arsenal last season having thrashed them 4-0 at St Mary's and restricted them to a goalless draw at the Emirates.
2.07pmRight, before we go any further, let's bring you the lineups for both sides, starting with the hosts...
2.08pmARSENAL XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Cazorla, Coquelin; Walcott, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Perez
Subs: Ospina, Holding, Elneny, Xhaka, Iwobi, Sanchez, Giroud
Subs: Ospina, Holding, Elneny, Xhaka, Iwobi, Sanchez, Giroud
2.12pmNEW SIGNINGS START! Wenger has handed debuts to both Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez, both of whom joined the Gunners late in the transfer window. Mustafi will partner Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defence, which means that Rob Holding drops to the bench. Grant Xhaka loses his place in midfield as Francis Coquelin is preferred, while Perez starts up front in place of Alexis Sanchez.
© Getty Images
2.14pmSOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster; Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Clasie; Davis, Tadic, Rodriguez; Redmond
Subs: McCarthy, Yoshida, Long, Austin, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Targett
Subs: McCarthy, Yoshida, Long, Austin, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Targett
2.19pmClaude Puel has made three changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Sunderland before the international break. Ryan Bertrand makes his first Premier League start of the season, while Jordy Clasie and Jay Rodriguez have entered the fold. The men to miss out are Matt Targett, Charlie Austin and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, all of whom are on the bench. Good news for the Saints is that goalkeeper Fraser Forster starts after being forced out of England duty with injury.
© Getty Images
2.20pmThis may or may not be a surprise to you, but the pressure is on Arsene Wenger already. Last season, the Frenchman was heavily criticised by large groups of his own supporters, with many calling for him to walk away from the Emirates. Wenger has been in charge of the North London club for the last 20 years, but this could be his final one as his contract runs out next summer.
2.24pmThe 66-year-old has admitted that he fears the day that he has to walk away from his job, but it is not yet clear whether or not he will be offered fresh terms by the Arsenal hierarchy. If not, then this could be his biggest test ever to end his final season with a trophy. The Premier League title has eluded the club for the past 12 years, and it tends to be the same old story with Wenger's team - they launch an early challenge for the crown, but end up falling away and clinching fourth.
© Getty Images
2.27pmOf course, qualifying for the Champions League for an English record 19 consecutive seasons is not to be sniffed at, but it's no secret that the club's lack of league titles has been frustrating for the fans. Unfortunately for the supporters, they were not filled with much hope at the start of the campaign as they witnessed a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the season. The supporters let their feelings known as boos rung around the stadium on the final whistle.
2.30pmThe aim for Arsenal was to bounce back in the second week of the campaign when the visited the reigning champions Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. It was not to be, though, as they failed to break the Foxes' down and had to settle for a goalless draw. Things began to take shape against Watford, though, as they registered a 3-1 triumph, with Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil among the goals.
2.31pmThe return of Arsenal's Euro 2016 stars played a huge part in the Gunners getting their first win of the campaign. As we know, Wenger does not like to rush players back into the fold after a summer tournament and would rather they sit out of big matches than risk picking up an injury. He received criticism for doing just that on the opening day of the season when he opted not to play Laurent Koscielny, even though defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista were out injured.
2.33pmCalum Chambers - now on loan at Middlesbrough - and Rob Holding were in the centre of defence for that game, but Koscielny has since returned to the fold. Defence has been a problem for Arsenal this season, but Wenger will be hoping that will change with the arrival of Mustafi, who cost the Gunners a reported fee of £35m. The defender, who was one of four new players to arrive at the club in the summer transfer window, made 160 clearances and 133 interceptions for Valencia last season - more than any of his club teammates in the 2015-16 campaign.
2.34pmArsenal are no strangers to criticism when it comes to transfer spending. They acted quickly to get Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchangladbach for £34m, but they were incredibly quiet during a time when their competitors Manchester City and Manchester United were spending in excess of £100m on new faces. Rob Holding arrived at Arsenal from Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee, but it was not until the closing stages of the window when Arsenal splashed some more cash. Mustafi arrived from Valencia and Lucas Perez joined the team's attacking force after the club reportedly met Deportivo La Coruna's £17m release clause.
2.35pmIt seems crazy to say that Arsenal's title race could be over if they lose this afternoon, but given that City and United have got off to a winning start, there could be some cause for concern if the Gunners do not get maximum points today. There is a worrying stat that may be at the back of Arsenal's minds - if the team fail to win then they will equal their lowest points tally after four Premier League matches. They last picked up just four points in the 1994-95 and 2011-12 seasons.
2.36pmDID YOU KNOW? Arsenal have not suffered back-to-back league defeats at home since 2011. The last time they did, one of the teams they lost to were Liverpool, who defeated the Gunners in August... Also, Ozil may be an influential player on the pitch for Arsenal, but he has not scored a league goal at the Emirates since a 2-0 win over Bournemouth on December 28.
2.38pmRight, let's switch our attention to Southampton, shall we? Well, Puel had big boots to fill following the departure of Koeman, who guided the Saints into the Europa League last season before taking over at Everton. We're yet to see Southampton make a strong statement on the pitch as they have not yet won a Premier League game.
2.42pmOn the opening weekend, they suffered an early blow when Etienne Capoue scored for Watford in the ninth minute at St Mary's, but Southampton's summer signing Nathan Redmond found an equaliser 13 minutes after the half-time break. Puel's men could not find a winner, though, as they settled for a point in front of their home supporters.
2.45pmThe next game presented an even harder task as they took on Manchester United at Old Trafford. The buildup to the match centred around Jose Fonte, who was linked with a deadline-day move to the Red Devils. In the end, Southampton kept their skipper and the Portugal Euro 2016 winner cleared up any confusion about his desire to stay by writing on social media:
"To make it perfectly clear to everyone that might have some difficulty understanding I am a Southampton player, and proudly have been since 2010, understand that once I step on the pitch with the saints shirt and armband I give my blood, sweat and tears for the club and will always will no matter what you read or think.
"My professionalism means everything to me, and no one can point me a finger about it. I am fully committed to succeed with my two teams @southamptonfc and @selecoesportugal. Thank you #wemarchon."
© Getty Images
2.48pmWhen the Saints faced United, they were beaten 2-0 on away turf. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the goals, one of which came from the penalty spot. Next up for Southampton were Sunderland, but they squandered the chance to produce an emphatic response to the United game, as they just scraped a 1-1 draw. The match looked destined for a goalless stalemate until Jermain Defoe struck from the spot to put the Black Cats ahead in the 80th minute. The Saints salvaged a draw thanks to Jay Rodriguez, who scored five minutes later.
2.50pmAs the summer transfer window has now closed, Southampton's squad is finalised until January. Puel brought in six new players, spending a total of around £44m. The club broke their transfer record by signing Sofiane Boufal from Lille for £16m, but the attacking midfielder is not expected to grace the pitch for another month due to a knee injury that he suffered in May. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Nathan Redmond arrived at the club for £12m and £11m respectively, while goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and right-back Jeremy Pied also came through the welcome gates.
2.52pmIt will be interesting to see how Puel manages his team when the club's Europa League campaign gets underway. After they take on Arsenal, the Saints will face Sparta Prague at home in their opening group game of the UEFA competition. Before playing Be'er Sheva in their second group fixture, Southampton will go up against Swansea City and West Ham United in the league.
2.54pmSTATS! The Saints have conceded in their last 15 Premier League games - not great reading for their fans! On the flip side, they should not feel too disheartened by their failure to win their first three games as they did the same in the 2015-16 campaign and went on to finish sixth.
2.56pmDID YOU KNOW? Southampton are pretty decent when it comes to headers as they scored from 15 last season, which was a joint league-high with West Ham. As Arsenal's defence has not quite settled, perhaps they can take advantage of that with balls into the box.
2.56pmHEAD TO HEAD: Arsenal have only come out on top in one of their last six games against Southampton having drawn two and lost three in all competitions. Historically at home they are the better side, though, as the Gunners are unbeaten in their last 21 top-flight games. The last time that they suffered defeat to the Saints on home soil was in November 1987 - a 1-0 defeat, with Danny Wallace scoring the winner.
2.57pmRight, both teams are making their way out onto the pitch. Kickoff is moments away!
1 minKICKOFF! Arsenal get us underway at the Emirates! There's some drizzle in the air, but let's hope the weather doesn't reflect what we see on the pitch this afternoon!
2 minAll eyes will be on Arsenal's new signings this afternoon, particularly Perez as he has been preferred to Sanchez and Giroud. The Spaniard gets his first touch on the ball as he passes back and forth with Walcott, but ends up running into Van Dijk.
3 minSouthampton get some time on the ball and Bertrand tries to play in Tadic after spotting the attacker's run, but he's caught offside.
5 minMustafi manages to ease pressure on himself by dropping his shoulder, but his pass to Monreal is short. Southampton go on the attack and the ball is drifted into the box from the right and connects with Rodriguez, but the forward's header fails to trouble Cech.
8 minIt's early stages of course, but Arsenal have not really imposed much of a threat as yet. Southampton have seen more of the ball.
9 minTadic shows pace by charging towards the box, but he's stopped in his tracks by Monreal. Coquelin intercepts the ball and goes on a driving run of his own, but Southampton manage to snuff out the attack.
10 minThe first real signs from Arsenal as Oxlade-Chamberlain unleashes a shot, but it's deflected and ends up in the path of Ozil. Walcott wants his German teammate to send the ball his way, but the World Cup winner aims for Perez. The through-ball fails to get to the target.
12 minSouthampton go on the counter after Mustafi's cross-field pass is cut out. Redmond has the ball at his feet and tries to go for glory himself by moving into space, but he fails to get a shot away.
14 minCLOSE! A potential chance for Rodriguez to score! Cedric delivers a cross into the danger area. The ball drops just in front of the far post, but Rodriguez fails to get a touch on it.
15 minArsenal respond through Oxlade-Chamberlain, who charges towards the byline, but his attempt to cut the ball back to Perez at the near post is snuffed out.
16 minBOOKING! Monreal goes into the referee's book for bringing down Redmond with a late challenge. Southampton get a free kick from around 20 yards out.
18 minGOAL! ARSENAL 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON (CECH OWN GOAL)
18 minWhat a start from Southampton! They take the lead with a little bit of fortune! Tadic's free kick scrapes the wall and Cech gets fingertips on the ball, but he can only direct it onto the underside of the bar and it falls onto his back and into the net.
21 minMustafi breaks out of the defence with a run down the right-hand side. He gets a cross away but none of his teammates are in the box to meet it and Forster comfortably gathers.
24 minArsenal have a change to respond as they are awarded a free kick by the corner flag thanks to Oxlade-Chamberlain's quick feet.
25 minCHANCE! Arsenal get their first sniff at goal as Cazorla's delivery from the set piece finds Walcott at the near post. The former Southampton man tries to steer a header into the back of the net, but it goes over the crossbar.
27 minBOOKING! A second Arsenal player is cautioned by Robert Madley and it's Cazorla. The Spaniard goes into the book for reacting angrily after Southampton were awarded a free kick.
30 minGOAL! ARSENAL 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON (KOSCIELNY)
30 minWow, what a goal from Koscielny (of all people!). The defender shows off his acrobatic skills by equalising for the Gunners with an overhead kick. Southampton struggle to clear a corner as the ball is headed high into the air. It drops for Koscielny, who shows great skill to send the ball past Forster.
33 minThe Emirates is full of voice now and that's definitely helping the players as they search for another goal to put them in the lead. If Southampton can weather this storm, they are still very much in contention.
33 minArsenal pick up a free kick 40 yards from goal after Cazorla is fouled by Redmond. The Spaniard takes the set piece, but Van Dijk gets in his way with a headed clearance.
36 minCHANCE! What a vital block from Clasie! Walcott feeds the ball forward for Bellerin, who charges down the right-hand side before delivering a cross into the box. The ball goes over the top of Perez, but Ozil meets it and thumps an effort towards the net. Clasie makes a great block to deny him.
40 minCazorla shows great feet to evade two incoming tackles before pushing the ball forward his his teammates. The move breaks down, though.
43 minWalcott finds Oxlade-Chamberlain with a decent cross. He then switches from his back to goal to unleash an attempt, which gets deflected behind by Cedric for a corner, which comes to nothing.
44 minMonreal tries to find Perez in the danger area with a cross, but Van Dijk gets there first to stop the striker from getting on the end of the ball.
45+2 minHALF-TIME: ARSENAL 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON
3.49pmIt's all square at the break as both teams head into the dressing rooms with one goal apiece. Arsenal will probably be the slightly happier team, though, as they managed to cancel out Southampton's goal. The visiting team started the stronger of the two and they were rewarded for it when Dusan Tadic's free kick was helped into the net by Gunners goalkeeper Petr Cech. Arsenal found their stride as the half went on and the equaliser came from Laurent Koscielny, who scored from a cracker of an overhead kick. Arsene Wenger's side ended the first half dominating, but can Claude Puel's men get back on top in the second half? We'll return shortly to find out!
46 minRESTART! Southampton get the second half underway! Will there be a winner within the next 45 minutes? Let's find out!
46 minSOUTHAMPTON SUB: The visitors have made a change at the break. Long comes on to replace Rodriguez.
47 minArsenal have taken the reigns in these early stages of the first half as they work the ball down the flanks. Oxlade-Chamberlain delivers a cross into the area, but it's a poor effort from him as the ball misses everyone.
50 minSouthampton are going for a different approach with Long on. They're sitting very deep and plan to play it long when they can. It's up to Arsenal to try to break them down.
52 minPerez manages to hold off his marker before attempting a return pass to Bellerin, but the full-back fails to get on the end of it.
53 minArsenal win a corner thanks to Bellerin's pressing and it's delivered towards Walcott at the near post. The Englishman tries to head past Forster, but the ball falls wide.
54 minBOOKING! A silly yellow card to pick up for Forster. He gets cautioned for taking far too long to hit a goal kick.
56 minEnd to end here as Ozil and Walcott link up before the former receives the ball on the edge of the box, but the German's attempt is wasted because of a poor touch. Southampton take aim with Long, but the striker's shot goes straight at Cech.
59 minGreat interception from Cazorla! Southampton go on the break and its Tadic who spots Redmond's run, but Cazorla spots it too and slides in to snatch the ball.
61 minArsenal are showing their trademark passing now as they work the ball around the edge of the box. It ends up at Bellerin's feet and the full-back powers a strike towards goal, but it just drifts wide.
62 minARSENAL SUBS: Two changes for the hosts as Giroud replaces Perez and Sanchez comes on for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Wenger is trying to go all out here.
64 minSOUTHAMPTON SUB: A change of personnel for Southampton now as Hojbjerg comes on for Clasie. It doesn't look like any serious problems for Clasie, but he was struggling with cramp a little earlier.
66 minCHANCE! Oh my, what a wasted opportunity for Southampton! Tadic backheels to Long, who is one-on-one with the keeper. All he needs to do is dink it over Cech from six yards out, but he fluffs it.
68 minCHANCE! At the other end, Sanchez squanders an effort! Ozil and Coquelin link up well before playing in the Chile international on the left-hand side of the box, but the forward skies over the bar.
70 minArsenal are continuing to pile on the pressure, but so far Southampton are holding firm. Puel's side are also showing plenty of threat on the counter.
74 minVan Dijk wins a free kick after getting brought down by Walcott. It's taken down the line to find Redmond, who crosses into the area, but Long heads over the bar.
75 minARSENAL SUB: Walcott makes way for Iwobi. The clock is ticking...
76 minCHANCE! Dear oh dear, how have Arsenal not scored from that?! Van Dijk messes up his clearance as it falls directly to Sanchez, who finds Cazorla. The Spaniard delivers a curling cross-shot, and Giroud is there for a tap-in, but he falls over and the chance goes begging.
79 minAnother opportunity for the hosts as Monreal is played in following a lovely piece of passing play from the Gunners. The left-back goes for goal, but it goes wide.
80 minSOUTHAMPTON SUB: Ward-Prowse comes on for Tadic for the final 10 minutes of the game.
84 minSAVE! Cech clears a shot straight to Long, whose follow-up is saved off the line by the keeper's foot.
87 minBOOKING! Hojbjerg gets cautioned for leaving a foot in. It looks as though we're heading for a 1-1 draw...
90 minPENALTY TO ARSENAL!
90 minArsenal have a chance to claim a dramatic late win here as the referee blows up for a penalty after Fonte is caught pulling Giroud's shirt. There's a slight delay as Koscielny receives treatment after getting a foot in the face.
90 minGOAL! ARSENAL 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON (CAZORLA PENALTY)
90+5 minFULL-TIME: ARSENAL 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON
5.02pmWow, what a dramatic end to the match! Arsenal sneak the victory thanks to a late penalty from Santi Cazorla. Southampton will feel hard done by given that they were seconds away from taking home a point. However, they leave North London empty handed as they continue to search for their first win of the season. Arsenal have now recorded back-to-back victories. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!
