EPL: Arsenal outshine Southampton after sloppy start as Man City beat Fulham

Arsenal defeated Southampton 3-1 in a Premier League clash on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run this season.

Fresh from a commanding win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Arsenal were expected to easily dispatch winless Southampton.

However, the Saints shocked the Emirates 10 minutes into the second half when Cameron Archer netted his first Premier League goal since his summer move from Aston Villa.

The lead only lasted three minutes before Kai Havertz scored in his seventh consecutive home game.
Gabriel Martinelli was introduced after an hour and made an impact within eight minutes, volleying home from Bukayo Saka’s cross.

After assisting Arsenal’s first two goals, Saka pounced on a loose ball to score the third himself.

Meanwhile, Rodri’s season-long absence due to a serious
knee injury is expected to be a major blow to Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the title for a fifth consecutive season.

However, it was his deputy, Mateo Kovacic, who scored twice to turn the game around for the champions at the Etihad, which ended 3-2.

Fulham, unbeaten since the opening night of the season at Manchester United, took the lead thanks to Andreas Pereira’s finish from a stunning backheel assist by Raul Jimenez.

Kovacic’s deflected effort quickly brought City level, and a cleaner strike less than two minutes into the second half made it 2-1.

Jeremy Doku then smashed a shot into the top corner from outside the box to give City a two-goal cushion, which they required.

Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham hope on 88 minutes, but City held out for a 17th consecutive win against the Cottagers.

West Ham eased the pressure on new boss Julen Lopetegui by ending a run of three home defeats at the start of the new season.

Michail Antonio, Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and Lucas Paqueta were on target for the Hammers in a 4-1 win over Ipswich, who are still awaiting their first Premier League victory in 22 years.

There were six goals before half-time as Brentford defeated Wolves 5-3, leaving the visitors rooted to the foot of the table.

Leicester secured their first league win of the season with Facundo Buonanotte’s strike sealing a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.

AFP