Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock scored as Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory away to Southampton.
Match Reports
Mikel Arteta got a response from Arsenal as they bounced back from successive Premier League defeats with a somewhat improved performance and 2-0 win at Southampton on Thursday.
The Gunners suffered back-to-back losses to Manchester City and Brighton and Hove Albion following the season's resumption, but they resembled a more focused and resilient unit as they scrapped to a win, unspectacular though it was.
Matteo Guendouzi, fortunate to avoid a retrospective sanction for grabbing Neal Maupay by the throat last Saturday, was the most significant casualty of the Brighton defeat as he was dropped from the squad, but the Frenchman's absence seemed to have no negative impact on Arsenal.
EPL Standings
Match Events
20' GOAL! Southampton 0-1 Arsenal (Nketiah)
Nketiah follows in as the ball is passed back to McCarthy and the Saints goalkeeper inexplicably passes the ball at the Gunners striker! It ricochets back towards goal and the young forward gets there first and rolls into an empty net! It's 1-0 to Arsenal!
47' Yellow Card! Saka booked
78' SAVE! Fine stop from world-class Martinez
85' Red Card! Stephens sent off
Hojbjerg plays a terrible back-pass from the left and it runs for Aubameyang to latch onto. Bednarek - the last man - slides in and takes the striker out, and he's sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity!
87' GOAL! Southampton 0-2 Arsenal (Willock)
Lacazette takes the free-kick and his first effort is blocked by the wall, but it ricochets back to him. The striker then thumps a half-volley at goal that McCarthy spills, and Willock is on hand to tuck the ball into the bottom corner! It's 2-0 to Arsenal now!