Saka saves a point, but Arsenal's title hopes suffer blow: Drawing in the Premier League

Arsenal's hopes of winning the title took a major blow after they suffered a heavy defeat against Southampton. The game started in disastrous fashion for the Gunners, with Carlos Alcaraz and Theo Walcott scoring within the opening 14 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for Arsenal, but they found themselves 3-1 down at half-time. Despite mounting pressure in the second half, they couldn't find a way through, and a late goal from Duje Caleta-Car sealed a 4-1 win for Southampton.

Arsenal's defence was all over the place, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at fault for the first goal, and they were unable to contain Southampton's attack. Reiss Nelson had a chance late on to score a consolation, but his effort was deflected wide. The result leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Liverpool, with a difficult fixture against Manchester City coming up next.

Arsenal fans flew a banner in support of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter who has been detained in Russia, behind the North Bank goal as the teams came out for kick-off. Gershkovich was arrested in March and has been detained on charges of espionage, which he, his employer and his native US all vehemently deny. He is being held in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, having been denied bail at a hearing this week. He is a passionate Arsenal supporter and the banner reflected the backing he has received from across the club's fanbase. '#FreeEvan,' it read. 'Arsenal fans stand with Evan Gershkovich.'

In that chaotic added spell Leandro Trossard snicked the bar and, even after Nelson’s close call, the ball pinged wildly around Saints’ box via various calls of dubious merit for penalties. Arsenal could not be faulted for sticking to their mission but paid for making it far more complicated than it should have been as they recorded a third Premier League draw in succession.

Neither set of players knew where to look at the whistle: Southampton must use this performance as a basis for a great escape but visibly saw an opportunity squandered; Arsenal fell en masse to their knees and must find new energy to achieve the improbable at City.