Arsenal Escapes Defeat by a Whisker Against the Saints, Title Race Suffer Set Back

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By Sakiru Olopade 

The Mikel Arteta’s side title aspiration suffered a set back after playing a thrilling 3-3 draw with the relegation threatened Southampton at the Emirate, making it a third successive draw.

The Saints had been on course for a surprising win after Carlos Alcatraz opened scoring in the 1st minute with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is instrumental to the Gunners good run in the season, gifted possession to Alcatraz to slot home the ball.

However, to the bewildered Arsenal fans, the former Arsenal forward, Theo Walcott doubled the lead, racing behind to finish up with a clinical strike in the 14th minute.

With the situation looking bleak, Gabriel Martinelli reduced the tally, given a glimpse of hope to the fans in the 20th minute.

The second half of the encounter was thrilling as Arsenal fighting teeth and nail to ensure they carry the day but goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu did a yeo man’s job to prevent the desperate Gunners’ attackers.

With Mikel Arteta boys searching for an equalizer, the substitute Duye Caleta – car who came in to replace injured Jan Bedrarek, made the case worse, in the 66th minute headed in unchallenged the third goal to silent fans at the Emirate.

The manager introduced Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Nelson to add pep to the attack in their bid to change their fortunes.

There was a turn around in the late minutes of the encounter, as Martin Odegaard sent home a fine strike in the 88th minute to give Gunners the second goal.

However, in the additional time, the stadium was erupted, when Busayo Saka pounced on a rebounce from goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to slot home the leveller to salvage a draw for Gunners in an astonishing manner.

With the result, though Arsenal have extended their lead to five points but Manchester City has two games in hand, and Gunners still have a crucial match at Etihad on Wednesday which will be one of the deciding factors in the title race between the two sides.

 

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