Arsenal 3-1 Southampton: Gunners Player Ratings as Saka delivers for North Londoners | Premier League 2024-25

Arsenal overcame a dull first-half display and a deficit to beat promoted side Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, October 5. Heading into the game, Mikel Arteta decided to hand Raheem Sterling his first start for the club, while Jurrien Timber was replaced by Thomas Partey owing to injury.

Arsenal were dominant throughout the first half, enjoying almost 70% possession but were unable to find the back of the net. Similar to previous games, they looked a threat from set pieces but were met by a dogged Saints defence.

The Gunners' problems grew from bad to worse in the second half. A quick counter from the visitors saw Cameron Archer cut onto his right foot and score to break the deadlock in the 55th minute.

However, the lead did not last long, as Kai Havertz levelled proceedings after just three minutes. Bukayo Saka won the ball back in midfield and set up the German forward, whose accurate finish nestled in the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Arsenal then established their dominance and eventually took a well-deserved lead in the 68th minute. Saka was involved once again, this time setting up substitute Gabriel Martinelli with a fantastic cross.

The 23-year-old rounded up the scoring later on, scoring in the 88th minute to make it 3-1 and cap off a brilliant performance.

The result saw Arsenal cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the table to just one point, level with Manchester City (17). Southampton, meanwhile, are yet to win a game and have collected just one point from seven matches. Here are the player ratings:

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya - 6/10

With Arsenal completely dominant throughout the game, Raya had a largely quiet outing and couldn't do much about the goal.

Thomas Partey - 6.5/10

A solid performance at right-back from the midfielder, coming close to getting on the scoresheet in the first half.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 6/10

The Brazilian was a menacing presence on set-pieces again, but could not add to his tally. He seemed frustrated at times in the first half but was solid overall.

William Saliba - 6/10

Saliba had a decent outing but maybe could have done better in defending Archer in the build-up to the Southampton goal.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6.5/10

The Italian continues to impress Arsenal fans. He put in another solid display in defense. He looked threatening when he moved forward and defended capably as well.

Jorginho - 6.5/10

A solid outing in the base of midfield from Jorginho, finishing with one chance created and five passes into the final third.

Declan Rice - 6.5/10

The midfielder may not have had the attacking contribution he desired but he combined well with his teammates and was instrumental in link-up.

Kai Havertz - 7.5/10

Havertz continued his strong form with his fourth goal of the Premier League campaign; a low, driven and accurate effort that levelled the scores.

Bukayo Saka - 9/10

Saka seems on course to break the Premier League assist record and stamped his authority on the game with a delightful performance. Two assists and a goal takes him to nine goal contributions in seven games, indicating how vital he is to Mikel Arteta.

Gabriel Jesus - 6/10

Given the chance to start, the Brazilian failed to impress and was barely a threat before being taken off for Leandro Trossard.

Raheem Sterling - 6/10

Sterling did not impress much in his first start, struggling to create, but came close to scoring in the first half.

Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli - 7/10

The attacker seemed to be a marked improvement over Sterling on the left and also grabbed a goal. He seems to be returning to form after a difficult 2023-24 campaign.

Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10

Similar to Martinelli, Trossard was an improvement over the player he replaced.

Mikel Merino - 6/10

A solid outing replacing Jorginho as he made his Premier League debut.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior - N/A

The pair came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.