Arsenal vs Southampton: Premier League — LIVE!
This afternoon, the Gunners are set to host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium, eager to set things right for previous shortcomings. When Southampton was last in the Premier League, they managed to take four points from Arsenal, which included a particularly detrimental draw during the title chase. This result contributed to Mikel Arteta’s team ultimately falling short against Man City. The manager knows that any missteps today could prove to be costly.
Arteta plans to allow Jurrien Timber and Ben White ample time to recover after rejoining training from their injury issues. However, if either of them doesn't pass late fitness checks, Riccardo Calafiori is ready to step in. Additionally, Arsenal will be greeting their former goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for the first time since his departure in the summer, and he is expected to receive a warm welcome from the fans.
Southampton will be missing their suspended captain, Jack Stephens. Additionally, Ross Stewart is set to undergo a fitness assessment just before the match. Stay updated on the game by following our live match blog below, where Dom Smith provides expert commentary and analysis directly from the Emirates Stadium.
Recent updates on the Arsenal vs Southampton match
"Dom Smith Takes The Stage At Emirates"
Arsenal hasn't managed to score yet, and I'm not quite sure why. They've dominated possession against Southampton, who persist in trying to build their plays from the back regardless of the circumstances.
The Gunners haven't created many obvious scoring chances, but they have made numerous incursions into the Saints' penalty area. If they were a bit more assertive in those situations, they would likely be leading.
An exciting second half is on the way.
Images captured by Action through Reuters
48 minutes: The referee blows the whistle! The score is tied as we head into halftime.
47 minutes: Ramsdale appears to be in discomfort.
46 minutes: Partey takes a shot that requires a low save from Ramsdale, who can only deflect it towards Sterling... but he misses the target and shoots wide.
Dom Smith Shines At Emirates Stadium
Sterling's shot was heading for the top corner, but Bednarek made a crucial block.
44 minutes: Wow, Sterling nearly scores! He fires in a precise shot, but a defender manages to block it.
At 42 minutes into the game, Dibling and Gabriel clash near the penalty area. It appears that the Southampton player has been tackled unfairly, but the referee sees it differently.
At the 40-minute mark, Jorginho takes a shot from a tight angle that forces Ramsdale to dive across the goal, but he puts a little too much power on it.
Almost there, but still not quite.
38 minutes: Jesus takes too long with the ball and misses Saka making a run past him into open space during the counterattack. This gives Southampton the chance to regroup and disrupt the play.
Dom Smith Shines At The Emirates
Riccardo Calafiori currently holds the position of left-back for Arsenal, but that title doesn't fully capture his role on the field. He has been seen playing on the right side at times and often finds himself contributing as a support midfielder throughout the game.
Arsenal's setup is quite dynamic, creating numerous challenges for the opposing team.
