Arsenal 3-1 Southampton – By The Numbers

ARSENAL 3–1 SOUTHAMPTON: BY THE VISUALS

ARSENAL 3–1 SOUTHAMPTON: BY THE NUMBERS

Southampton visited Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, winless in their last 19 Premier League matches. Although we hadn’t beaten The Saints in our previous three league meetings—drawing both games the last time they were in the Premier League—we’ve never lost to them at home in the competition, with their last league win in North London coming in 1987.

Mikel Arteta made a few changes to the Arsenal lineup following a statement victory in the Champions League. Sterling replaced Martinelli, while Jorginho took over from Partey in midfield as the Ghanaian moved to right-back, with neither Timber nor White available. Jesus replaced Trossard.

The first 15 minutes were promising for The Gunners, who recorded six shots compared to their opponent’s one and appeared to be in total control, with a goal seemingly just around the corner. However, in the following 15 minutes, there were only three shots in total—two from Arsenal and one from Southampton—as we lost our early momentum following a Southampton injury and substitution that led to a break in play. Although we regained some rhythm before half-time, we had to wait until injury time to record our first shot on target, going into the break level.

In the 55th minute, Southampton scored first, but it ultimately proved to be a blessing in disguise.

A key characteristic of Southampton under Russell Martin has been their persistence in playing out from the back or maintaining possession, even if it means recycling the ball in their own half.

57.4% – Possession for Southampton so far this season. The Saints rank 5th overall in the Premier League, but much of their possession is in their own half, ranking 2nd for touches in the defensive and middle thirds but 10th for touches in the attacking third, and 16th for touches in the penalty area.

On the other hand, one of the strengths of the current Arsenal side is our ability to adapt to opponents. We can sit deep and invite pressure when necessary, but when faced with an opponent unwilling to adjust their style of play—one that continues to play out from the back or aims to recycle possession despite being heavily pressed—we can press high.

6 – Errors leading to goals for Southampton so far this season, the highest in the Premier League.

55 – Times Southampton have lost possession in their defensive third, also the most in the Premier League.

It became clear early on that Arteta had set his team up to target their style of play, ultimately allowing us to equalise.

High Turnover refers to any sequence that begins in open play and occurs within 40 meters of the opponent’s goal.

Just three minutes after going behind, Saka dispossessed Flynn Downes within 40 metres of his own goal and found Havertz in space, who finished emphatically (0.13 xG, 0.52 xGOT).

On 68 minutes, a fine cross from Saka found an unmarked Martinelli, confirmed onside by VAR, and the winger’s side-footed volley (0.41 xG, 0.55 xGOT) slipped through Ramsdale’s legs.

Late in the game, as the Saints pushed for an equaliser, Trossard broke free, and Sugawara’s interception fell to Saka, who finished past Ramsdale (0.06 xG, 0.29 xGOT).

7 – Shots for Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka (joint-most in a single game by any player across all teams this season). It’s the second time both have recorded seven shots in a league game this season, the previous instance being against Leicester in their last match.

20 – Goals in 20 Premier League games for Kai Havertz when played as a striker for Arsenal, averaging a goal contribution every 82 minutes.

7 – Goals for Kai Havertz in his last seven games in all competitions at the Emirates Stadium, including his last five Premier League matches there.

Kai Havertz showed real leadership by stepping up to score the equaliser. After the match, Arteta mentioned that the German can still get better. While I love what he’s bringing to the team right now, if Mikel is right and there’s still another level to unlock, it’s an exciting prospect.

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BUKAYO SAKA’S GAME BY NUMBERS

3 big chances created, 15 touches in opponents box, 8x possession won, 7 shots (6 inside the box), 3 duels won, 2 fouls won, 2 shots on target, 2 assists and 1 goal.

7 – Shots and 8 key passes for Bukayo Saka. The only player on record (since 2003-04) to have 7+ shots and create 7+ chances in a Premier League game more than once, and he’s done it in back-to-back appearances.

27 – Chances created by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least four more than any other player.

13 – Big chances by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least five more than any other player.

7 – Assists provided by Bukayo Saka in the Premier League this season, at least three more than any other player.

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It might seem trivial, given that the match was against so-called “guaranteed relegation fodder,” but Saturday’s win was yet another example of Arsenal overcoming adversity. This season, we’ve already faced a range of challenges: playing with ten men against Brighton and City, missing key players due to injuries and suspensions in the North London Derby, finding a late winner against Leicester, and now coming from behind to beat Southampton.

And yet, we’ve earned 17 points out of a possible 21 and sit just one point off the top spot as we head into another international break.

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Sources: my own database, Opta, fbref, @Orbinho Threads feed