Quite unexpectedly, Arsenal dropped points for just the second time this season, drawing 1-1 with Southampton at Saint Mary’s.When these two sides last met in April, Arsenal all but surrendered their hopes of Champions League qualification, but this meeting had a very different complexion. Bukayo Saka’s dangerous inswinging cross offered an early warning for Southampton, before Granit Xhaka struck within the opening 15 minutes. The Swiss international followed up on his midweek weak-foot goal with another here, firing in Ben White’s low cross after a neat flick from Saka.The Gunners continued to threaten as Gabriel Jesus hit the side netting and Saka’s menacing run ended with a dubious booking for simulation. Saint Mary’s was treated to self-deprecating chants from the home fans, illustrating perfectly the mood within the stadium. Nonetheless, Southampton’s best spell of the half soon followed, but the hosts couldn’t convert their sustained pressure into anything of note. Martin Odegaard and Jesus combined smartly as the halftime whistle approached, yet the Brazilian’s volley was saved comfortably by Gavin Bazunu.Villa are flying high without Steve G, Foxes thrash Wolves and Mitro’s still on fireWith the game still in the balance, Arsenal sought to extend their lead through Jesus, who found himself through on goal, but the tenacious Mohamed Elyounoussi got back to produce a timely intervention. Having kept the visitors at arm’s length, Southampton restored parity with just 25 minutes to play, as Elyounoussi’s delicate pass allowed Stuart Armstrong to sweep past Aaron Ramsdale. Suddenly, the hosts smelled blood, but a series of attacks ultimately came to nothing.Odegaard thought he had found a winner late on, but Kieran Tierney was adjudged to have carried the ball out of play before it made its way into the back of the net. Both sides continued to push for a second, but were eventually forced to settle for a point, extending Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League as they make an unlikely bid for their first league title in 19 years. As for Southampton, a point against the current league leaders will feel like a win for Ralph Hasenhüttl, especially given their recent home struggles.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 13Saturday Nott.Forest – Liverpool 1-0 (0-0)/Awoniyi 55/Everton – Crystal Palace 3-0 (1-0)/Calvert-Lewin 11, Gordon 63, McNeil 85/Man.City – Brighton 3-1 (2-0)/Haaland 22, 43 pen, De Bruyne 75 – Trossard 53/Chelsea – Man.Utd. 1-1 (0-0)/Jorginho 84 pen – Casemiro 90+4/SundayAston Villa – Brentford 4-0 (3-0)/Bailey 2, Ings 7, 14 pen, Watkins 59/Leeds – Fulham 2-3 (1-1)/Rodrigo 20, Summerville 90+1 – Mitrovic 66, Reid 74, Willian 84/Southampton – Arsenal 1-1 (0-1)/Armstrong 65 – Xhaka 11/Wolverhampton – Leicester 0-4 (0-2)/Tielememanss 8, Barnes 19, Maddison 66, Vardy 80/18.30: (2.16) Tottenham (3.45) Newcastle (3.50)Monday 22.00: (1.60) West Ham (3.90) Bournemouth (6.50)***odds are subject to change***©FlashScore
