Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a major blow despite staging a dramatic late comeback to earn a 3-3 draw against Southampton at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were staring at a crushing defeat to the relegation-threatened Saints after goals from Carlos Alcaraz (1), Theo Walcott (14) and Duje Caleta-Car (66) left Ruben Selles’ side minutes away from a first Premier League away victory at the Gunners.
After Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half goal failed to spark a comeback, captain Martin Odegaard looked to have scored a consolation two minutes from time but it sparked a remarkable Arsenal revival, with Bukayo Saka firing in the equaliser in the final minute.
The late drama prompted fans who had left the Emirates early to race back to their seats but despite relentless pressure – Leandro Trossard striking the crossbar – there was to be no repeat of their thrilling fightbacks against Bournemouth or Aston Villa.
A third successive draw means Arsenal will take a five-point lead with them into Wednesday’s showdown with champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand on the Gunners and now hold the advantage in the Premier League title race.