Arsenal player ratings as two players save Mikel Arteta vs Southampton

Arsenal had looked dead and buried but fought back to earn a credible point in a pulsating 3-3 draw with bottom-of-the-table Southampton. It was a game that could define the Premier League title race and the Gunners will undoubtedly feel distraught that they were unable to grab a winner following two late goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Mikel Arteta’s side now travel to Manchester City in a game which could see them wrestle back control if they’re to deliver the goods at the Etihad Stadium – something that seems unlikely on the basis of their current shaky form.

Carlos Alcaraz fired home the opener for Southampton just 20 seconds into the match when Aaron Ramsdale misplaced a risky pass that was ruthlessly punished by the young Argentine.

Former Arsenal favourite Theo Walcott then rubbed salt into the wounds with a vintage finish following a superbly weighted pass from man of the moment Alcaraz.

Arsenal responded well to their credit and brought a goal back almost instantly courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli but still, the Gunners struggled to build momentum.

The Saints remained resolute as they seemed to keep their survival dream alive and they got their reward in the second half when Duje Caleta-Car headed home from a corner.

Gary Neville had said that the title was ‘slipping away’ from the Gunners as they showed little signs of recovering the deficit but they once again displayed their never-say-die spirit to launch a late fightback.

Captain fantastic Martin Odegaard pulled one back for the hosts before Saka levelled things up moments later to set up a grand-stand finish.

Southampton somehow weathered the storm to cling onto a point as Arsenal’s players were left in a heap on the turf wondering just how they let this game get away from them.

Express Sport rates Arsenal’s stars following a thrilling six-goal encounter that left you wondering exactly what would happen next.

Aaron Ramsdale – 4

Gifted Southampton the opener inside 30 seconds with a sloppy back pass. Will be kicking himself about his costly short pass. Simply must do better. Did make amends briefly with a fine first-half double save.

Ben White – 7

Saw a header cleared off the line by Carlos Alcaraz. Defended very well but final ball sometimes lacking. Always looking to feed the feet of Bukayo Saka and his composure was key to the fightback. Nearly laid on a last-gasp assist but it wasn’t to be after Gabriel Jesus fluffed his lines.

Rob Holding – 4

Does not seem to breathe confidence into this Arsenal backline. That has been apparent in the past five games when they have conceded nine goals in their past five Premier League matches in the absence of William Saliba. Lost his man from a corner for the third Southampton goal.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 5

Pulled wide and exposed ruthlessly by Theo Walcott for Southampton’s second goal. Isn’t the same player without Saliba.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5

Caught upfield for Southampton’s second. Always looking to attack when sometimes defensive solidity should be the priority. Attempted to rally his team-mates after the second goal with a huddle but Arsenal caused themselves needless problems at the back in the opening exchanges of the game.

Thomas Partey – 5

Not as effective in a single pivot but that’s not entirely his fault. There was a lot of defensive responsibility on his shoulders without Granit Xhaka and he was heavily overrun. Took a daft shot late in the day as Arsenal pressed for a winner.

Fabio Vieira – 3

No two ways about it, poor. Can’t be a coincidence Arsenal have struggled against Bournemouth and Southampton in a similar manner on his last two Premier League starts. Contributed to a real lack of control in the middle.

Martin Odegaard – 8

Turned it on when it mattered and Arsenal needed their captain most. His goal inspired the late fight back and he was so effective at the end of the game, making the right decisions and passes.

Bukayo Saka – 8

Came up trumps with an assist and crucial late equaliser. Superb in the first half despite Arsenal’s struggles. Very direct and got his rewards when he teed up Gabriel Martinelli with a fine cross. Struggled to find space in the second half but kept going and scored a precious late equaliser. Excellent in the closing stages. Saved Arsenal with Odegaard.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6

Bright for Arsenal in glimpses and got his goal in the first half. Didn’t have trouble getting in behind but the end product was sometimes lacking. Took one too many touches on numerous occasions. Frustrating night for the Brazilian as he tried to make things happen.

Gabriel Jesus – 4

Missed countless chances but showed great composure to lay the ball off to Reiss Nelson for the equaliser. Besides that, generally very poor. Panicked and lashed at so many clear openings. Arsenal needed better from their Brazilian.