Arsenal lost points for only the second time this season in a 1-1 draw with Southampton, which Mikel Arteta called “a lesson.”
Southampton earned a share of the spoils thanks to Stuart Armstrong’s goal, extending their undefeated league streak to three games.
With his second goal in as many games, Granit Xhaka gave the Gunners an early lead by sweeping the ball first time into the top of the net following Ben White’s low throw.
Arteta said to BBC Match of the Day: “It’s sad because we wanted to win again. “Credit must also go to Southampton. There aren’t any complaints.”
The energetic Gabriel Martinelli had his effort go wide, while Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu stopped Gabriel Jesus from doubling the visitors’ lead before halftime.
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The second half saw Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad improve, but Jesus, who had gotten past the Southampton defense, had to be stopped by an outstanding last-ditch effort from Elyounoussi.
Soon after Armstrong’s equalizer, Martin Odegaard believed he had given Arsenal the lead again. Still, the Norwegian’s attempt was ruled out because the ball had left the field of play during the buildup.
We had significant opportunities that we should have noticed, according to Arteta. “While you don’t do it in the Premier League when you’re in the first place, you risk paying the price.
“In the first half, we played well and completely controlled the game. Unfortunately, we stopped performing the simple things correctly in the second half. The number of giveaways, particularly in possession, caused us trouble.
“We won the game and attempted to score a second goal, but we were unsuccessful.”
Consequently, Saints remain in 15th position, three points above the relegation zone, while Arteta’s team moves two points ahead of second-place Manchester City.