Ralph Hasenhuttl records first Saints win to end Arsenal's unbeaten run

Arsenal: A look back at 2018

A late goal by substitute Charlie Austin gave relegation-threatened Southampton a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday in new Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuettl's first home game.

It was the Londoners' first defeat in 23 games and meant they lost ground on fourth-placed Chelsea, while Southampton moved out of the bottom three.

Danny Ings, back after injury, headed two fine goals in the first half from equally good crosses by Matt Targett and Nathan Redmond.

In between, Mkhitaryan drew Arsenal level with a header of his own and early in the second half he scored via a big deflection.

Yet in the 85th minute Austin, who had come on for the tiring Ings, headed in a cross by Shane Long.

The win sent Southampton above Burnley into 17th place while Arsenal remained fifth in the table. Reuters

Preview

What time does it start?

Southampton vs Arsenal kicks off at 1:30pm (GMT)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in fine form for Arsenal (Getty Images)

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Premier League and Main event channels from 12:30pm. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the game via the Sky Go app.

The match will also be available on NOW TV by grabbing a day pass for just £7.99.

Highlights will be shown at 10:15pm on BBC Two.

Player to watch…

Laurent Koscielny: The 33-year-old returned to first-team action on Thursday following his Achilles injury which had kept him out of action since May. The Arsenal captain was largely untroubled by the Qarabag attack but he may face a tougher test against the likes of Charlie Austin when they travel to the south coast. The Gunners have won just once at St Mary’s in their last six visits, conceding 10 goals in the process, and despite Southampton’s plight this season history is certainly on the side of the Saints.

Form guide…

Southampton: DLLDLL

Arsenal: WWWDWW

Odds…

Southampton to win: 14/5

Arsenal to win: 19/20

Draw: 14/5

(Odds provided by 888 Sport)

[16 December 2018 13:25 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Moments away now from the two early games getting underway.

One Seagull is a little anxious to get going against Chelsea...

[16 December 2018 13:30 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

70 miles apart along the South Coast, Southampton-Arsenal and Brighton-Chelsea kick off.

[16 December 2018 13:32 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Southampton 0-0 Arsenal, 1 minute

It looks as if Arsenal have opted for a back three again, with Granit Xhaka alongside Laurent Koscielny and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

A similarly wing-backed formation from the hosts, with Matt Targett and young Frenchman Yan Valery occupying the wider berths.

[16 December 2018 13:33 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

​Southampton 0-0 Arsenal, 3 minutes

Arsenal showing some early competency with the ball. Nothing in the way of more attacking play just yet, however.

[16 December 2018 13:34 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Southampton 0-0 Arsenal, 4 minutes

Indeed it is the home side with the first foray into the penalty area, with Nathan Redmond utilising his ability with the ball at his feet to nearly profit.

Arsenal smother the ball away.

[16 December 2018 13:36 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Southampton 0-0 Arsenal, 5 minutes

First chance, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nearly puts Arsenal ahead.

It is a lovely clipped pass down the middle from Matteo Guendouzi to find Aubameyang using his pace beyond the Southampton back-three. Aubameyang takes it down deftly, but is denied in strong fashion by Alex McCarthy, who made himself big to block behind for a corner.

[16 December 2018 13:37 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brighton 0-0 Chelsea, 6 minutes

A relatively quiet start at the Amex.

Eden Hazard is fouled for the first time. Could be a fair few of those today. Hazard once again starts in the centre of Chelsea's attacking three.

[16 December 2018 13:39 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brighton 0-0 Chelsea, 7 minutes

David Luiz lines up the free kick, but only finds the arms of Mat Ryan in the Brighton goal. A tame effort.

[16 December 2018 13:41 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Southampton 0-0 Arsenal, 10 minutes

Against Chelsea earlier in the season Southampton were dreadfully defensive and cautious in the early stages, and never really emerged from their shell, giving Chelsea the early momentum.

They've started with more verve and vigour today. A fairly even game so far.

[16 December 2018 13:43 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Brighton 0-0 Chelsea, 11 minutes

A long ball from Lewis Dunk is well recovered by Glenn Murray just about onside rushing forward.

The venerable striker shows his creative side, picking out Solly March, but March's effort is blocked for a corner.