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

Kishan Vaghela
Friday 14 December 2018 15:16 GMT
Comments
Arsenal: A look back at 2018

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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
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)

Full team news coming right up...

Lawrence Ostlere16 December 2018 12:36

TEAM NEWS - Southampton vs Arsenal

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:38

TEAM NEWS - Brighton vs Chelsea

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:40

Away trips for England's two Europa League representatives to kick start a big Sunday of Premier League action.

Both games start at 1.30, and we will have coverage of all the action from the Amex Stadium and St Mary's as it happens this afternoon...

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:48

An enforced defensive reshuffle for Arsenal, then, with a slew of injuries at the back.

Laurent Koscielny is a rather welcome returnee from longer-term injury. It isn't entirely clear who will partner him in the heart of the defence, with both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Nacho Monreal capable of playing at centre half, though we think it may well be the former with Monreal at left back.

For those wondering where Sead Kolasinac is...

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:52

Mesut Ozil is once again on the bench today. Ahead of their trip to Southampton today, Tom Kershaw examines Mesut Ozil's place in Unai Emery's new look Arsenal team:

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:57

Today will be Ralph Hasenhuttl's first game at St Mary's since taking charge of Southampton.

He's been trying to bring the club together in a somewhat unconventional manner as his side look to cause a shock against their more fancied opponents...

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 12:59

Meanwhile at the Amex Stadium, Maurizio Sarri has kept faith with the striker-less 4-3-3.

Brighton are without Shane Duffy at the back with the centre-half still suspended, but do welcome Glenn Murray back to the starting lineup.

Plenty of creativity with both Pascal Groß and Anthony Knockaert included - can Chris Hughton's side trouble Chelsea?

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 13:05

Baby, it's cold outside...

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 13:10

15 minutes until kick off.

Laurent Koscielny returns to captain the Arsenal team at St Mary's today. The Frenchman missed his country's World Cup win after suffering a serious achilles injury suffered in the Europa League semi-final, and has been working his way back to full fitness over the last couple of weeks but makes his first Premier League appearance of the season today.

Harry Latham-Coyle16 December 2018 13:18

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