Arsenal have gone into the international break with their unbeaten record still intact, despite suffering a scare on Saturday......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The Gunners ran out 3-1 winners over Southampton in their 3pm Premier League kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal initially struggled to break the Saints defence down and were made to pay for it as Cameron Archer broke the deadlock for the visitors on 55 minutes.
However, Mikel Arteta’s charges didn’t need long to restore parity and eventually take full control of the game against the newly-promoted side.
Kai Havertz continued his record of scoring in every game at the Emirates Stadium this season with a 58th-minute goal.
Gabriel Martinelli then put the Gunners in the lead 10 minutes later, before Bukayo Saka wrapped up the scoring for Arteta’s side in the 88th minute.
Saka played a part in all three goals, assisting Havertz and Martinelli for their efforts before getting on the scoresheet himself.
The 23-year-old’s latest efforts have seen him earn praise from pundits, with Gabriel Agbonlahor putting him in his Team of the Week.
What Gabriel Agbonlahor said about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Agbonlahor deemed Saka “Mr Reliable”, saying he never dips below a 7 out of 10 rating week in, week out, and he was a constant thorn in Southampton’s side.
“This guy is Mr Reliable,” he said on talkSPORT. “He is a seven, eight, nine, 10 out 10 every week. He doesn’t drop below a seven out of 10.
“And on the weekend when Arsenal needed him, he was there. Great assist for Martinelli. Yes, a simple assist for Havertz, but great ball into the back-post. That’s his trademark ball into Martinelli to finish.
“Also took his goal. Yes, poor defending, but got his goal as well. But his all-round performance, he was terrorising Southampton and he really is Mr Arsenal and definitely deserves to be in Team of the Week.”
TalkSPORT’s Jason Cundy was also among those to praise Saka, saying his ability to cross at the far post is “the best in the business”.
How media outlets rated Saka’s display
Football gave Saka a 9 out of 10 for his efforts in the day, writing: ‘When Arsenal needed a hero, Saka stepped up yet again.
‘A superb assist for Havertz and then his cross to Martinelli at the back post was even better. One of the most dependable players in this Arsenal side right now.’
Likewise, Goal went with 9 out of 10 and wrote: ‘Two more assists, the second of which – for Martinelli – was superb.
‘Then scored the third himself with a deadly finish on his right foot. So consistent. Just always delivers.’
When do Arsenal play next?
Arsenal return to action after the international break when they head to Bournemouth for a Premier League fixture scheduled for 5:30pm on Saturday 19 October.