Sports

Arsenal’s Title Hope Hangs In The Air Despite Saka Rescuing A Point Against Southampton

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2023

Arsenal’s Title Hope Hangs In The Air Despite Saka Rescuing A Point Against Southampton ( Feature Image: John Walton/PA).

It was a game of two halves at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Southampton, sending shockwaves through both the title race and the relegation battle.

Southampton came out of the blocks with a bang, scoring within the first 28 seconds thanks to Carlos Alcaraz’s instinctive finish.

But let’s be honest, the real credit should go to Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who inexplicably passed the ball straight to the Southampton striker. It was a shocking start for the league leaders, to say the least.

And things only got worse for Arsenal as Theo Walcott doubled Southampton’s lead just 14 minutes into the match. Against the club where he made nearly 400 appearances, no less.

It was an unexpected turn of events for the Premier League’s bottom side, who suddenly found themselves 2-0 up away from home against the league leaders.

But Arsenal didn’t get to where they are in the table for nothing. Like champions, they responded by piling forward in numbers, and Gabriel Martinelli managed to beat former Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker-Peters to drag the Gunners back into the game.

It was no surprise that the Brazilian was the one who scored, and he did it in style by slamming home Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Arsenal continued to dominate, but it was Southampton who popped up with the crucial next goal in the 67th minute.

On a rare foray forward, they won a corner and James Ward-Prowse’s typically brilliant delivery found the head of Duje Caleta-Car.

The travelling Saints supporters were alternating between the Poznan and Oles in the 88th minute, thinking they had secured a much-needed win, but Martin Odegaard had other ideas.

He pulled a goal out of nowhere with a dipping shot that gave the Gunners hope.

And hope turned into reality just two minutes later when Bukayo Saka pounced on a loose ball in the box to bring the Gunners level.

He barely celebrated as he raced back into position for the restart, knowing that both sides still had chances to land the final blow in nine minutes of second-half stoppage time.

In the end, neither team could find a winner, and the game finished 3-3. The result takes Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, while Southampton remain bottom.

However, they are within three points of safety now and will be rueing the two huge points dropped at the Emirates.

It’s an exciting time for Arsenal, who now have a long-anticipated clash with City at the Etihad next Wednesday. Will they continue their winning streak and cement their position at the top of the table? Only time will tell.

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