March 28, 2024

 

Arsenal handed control of the Premier League title race to Manchester City despite scoring twice in the final three minutes to salvage a 3-3 draw against Southampton at Emirates Stadium.

An unexpected night of high drama in north London began with a dreadful mistake from Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, gifting possession to Carlos Alcaraz to open the scoring after just 27 seconds.

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott doubled Southampton’s advantage in the 14th minute before Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back six minutes later from Bukayo Saka’s cutback.

The Gunners pushed for an equaliser — with Ben White having a header cleared off the line by Alcaraz in first-half stoppage time — but Southampton extended their advantage against the run of play on 66 minutes. James Ward-Prowse’s corner was flicked on by Armel Bella-Kotchap to the back post, where substitute Duje Caleta-Car nodded home.

Gabriel Jesus missed two good chances as the Gunners attempted to rally, but they had to wait until the 88th minute to find the net again as Martin Odegaard curled a 20-yard shot past Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

Bukayo Saka then turned home the rebound after Bazunu saved substitute Reiss Nelson’s shot as the Gunners tried to pull off another late escape. But they could not find another goal in eight minutes of added time, and this damaging defeat leaves them just four points clear of Manchester City having played two games more.

The top two face off at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday in a bid that may likely to determine the winner of this season EPL

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