Player Reviews: Saka and Havertz shine for Arsenal to remain competitive in Premier League

Arsenal have won four successive matches across all competitions following a 3-1 triumph against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. This win brings them within one point of Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal started well by exerting pressure and creating opportunities through corners; however, their early play couldn’t produce many significant chances despite some encouraging signs. After Saints weathered an initial storm, Arsenal seemed content to remain relatively inactive for much of the first half. They only really threatened again towards its conclusion as Raheem Sterling saw his effort blocked by Jan Bednarek before Thomas Partey required goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to save. Southampton took an unexpected lead after Sterling was dispossessed to ignite an attack that led directly to Cameron Archer scoring an outstanding finish; unfortunately it wouldn’t last too long! Bukayo Saka quickly won back possession and set Kai Havertz up with an excellent pass that allowed Gabriel Martinelli – part of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s triple substitution -to score off the post for another goal for their hosts. Just three minutes after this change of possession by Saka, Kai Havertz finished emphatically off of the post! Saka then had another hand in helping secure victory as Gabriel Martinelli found space at the back post to score after coming on as part of Mikel Arteta’s triple substitution as part of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made three substitutions as part of Mikel Arteta’s triple substitution of players as part of Mikel Arteta’s triple substitution regime for their manager Mikel Arteta to triple up on playoff victory! Bukayo Saka’s strike in the 89th minute guaranteed there would be no upset and provides Arsenal supporters with much-needed comfort as they prepare for life without Martin Odegaard. PositivesThe performances from Saka and Havertz will provide much-needed assurances during an uncertain time for Arsenal supporters. Three points ensure Arsenal retain their place at the top of the table going into an international break, although negatives include Arsenal allowing themselves to slip out of contention halfway through the first half and failing to capitalise when Southampton were under pressure. Mikel Merino took over on the hour mark. Kai Havertz produced an outstanding finish with his left foot that left Ramsdale powerless when the ball went in off of the post and into goal. Raheem Sterling was impressive both when moving forward and flicking on long balls to teammates; also making himself available via flick-ons when attacking from long balls. Unfortunately his strike appeared headed toward goal before Bednarek blocked it at half time. Bukayo Saka was partly to blame for Southampton’s goal after being dispossessed too easily in midfield despite claims for fouls. On Saturday he was the outstanding performer in Arsenal’s victory against Southampton. Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesFW Bukayo Saka (9), was an effective threat down Arsenal FC’s left flank during their game with Manchester City on September 17. Often winning duels with opponents and looking to outwit markers before crossing balls into the box for crosses to come into the penalty area, Saka was often an integral player during an encounter. Played an instrumental part in Arsenal’s equaliser after intercepting a pass and winning possession before playing Havertz to score. Completed his performance by sealing victory in the 89th minute with one final goal for Arsenal. Mikkel Merino (Jorginho, 61″) provided composure in possession and kept play moving when Arsenal needed to establish control before scoring their third goal. Spain international Diego Alves made an instant impactful Premier League debut against Paris Saint-Germain last Wednesday and delivered two victories so far, scoring in both matches this time around against Arsenal and Newcastle United respectively. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Partey, 84″) was brought on late as Arsenal attempted to see out their remaining matches while Jakub Kiwior (Calafiori, 90″) joined later during Arsenal celebrations after Saka’s goal made Arsenal unbeatable and put an end to proceedings altogether.