Arsenal came back from adversity to claim a 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, showing elite mentality to continue their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
The Gunners went down ten minutes into the second half when Cameron Archer raced clear down the left channel, cut in onto his right foot and angled a hit beyond David Raya in goal.
Arsenal looked set to hand Southampton their first three points of the season and lose ground in the league title race. However, the north Londoners showed they are made of sterner stuff.
Only three minutes later, Bukayo Saka won the ball in midfield, slipped Kai Havertz in, and the German fired in the equaliser. Arsenal smelt the blood of the Saints and circled in.
Arsenal talisman Saka has created 13 big chances in the league this term and laid one of his finest dimes for Gabriel Martinelli to guide home before ensuring the win with an excellently placed shot.
Former Southampton and West Ham manager Alan Pardew believes Mikel Arteta’s side will finally end their 20-year wait for a league title this season.
“They are looking like real, proper contenders like they did last year,” Pardew said (via talkSPORT). “They have not fallen away. In fact, you could argue that they look stronger. I predicted them to win it. I still think they win it.”
Arsenal have provided a title challenge for Manchester City over the past two seasons but could not stop the Cityzens from claiming the Premier League trophies.
Now, Pep Guardiola’s team is bidding for a sixth title on the trot, and Arsenal stand in their way.
Can the Gunners end City’s dominance? Pardew certainly believes so, but it is still too early for such bold predictions as the champions have shown they come alive in the second half of the season.
