(Football news) Arsenal’s hold to the top spot of the Premier League is getting more and more loose. The Gunners drew 3-3 at home to 20th placed Southampton. The draw was Arsenal’s 3rd in a row in the league which means that Manchester City are now 5 points behind with 2 games in hand. Despite the fact that they dropped 2 points Arsenal showed a lot of resilience and fight. Mikel Arteta played his strongest XI with Fabio Vieira starting in midfield instead of Granit Xhaka who was ill. Southampton scored the 2nd fastest goal of the Premier League season via Carlos Alcaraz. Aaron Ramsdale mis placed his pass and Arsenal were immediately put on the back foot.

Matters became worse as former Arsenal player Theo Walcott doubled Southampton’s lead in the 14th minute. Oleksandr Zinchenko called all 11 players close by in the middle of the pitch to offer motivation and it worked. The hosts lifted the performance and the spirits  with some really good attacking football. Bukayo Saka assisted Gabriel Martinelli who made it 2-1 in the 20th minute. Arsenal spent almost the entirety of what was remaining of the first half in Southampton’s half trying to get the equalizer. The 2nd half started in the same fashion but Southampton added another twist as Duje Caleta-Car scored from a corner to make it 3-1 to Southampton.

Arsenal to their credit didn’t give up as captain Martin Odegaard scored a sumptuous goal from outside the box in the 88th minute. 2 minutes later Bukayo Saka grabbed the equaliser to send the Emirates stadium into a frenzy.The North London club had a couple of good chances and also a few penalty shouts but the game ended at 3-3. It was a very entertaining encounter which spices up the title race even more. Now the game between Arsenal and Manchester City next week will most probably decide the title. The draw will give Southampton a lot of confidence as they are 3 points off safety with their next match being against Bournemouth.

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