After the 3-1 defeat against Bournemouth, Southampton had a huge task to take some important points against Arsenal before the international break. However, it was an away fixture against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who are again aiming to challenge defending Champions Manchester City for the Premier League title race.
Therefore, defensive solidity was the key for Russell Martin's side and they displayed reliability and resilience while defending to keep the score at 0-0 after the first half. Substitute Cameron Archer gave the 1-0 lead to Southampton which boosted their chances of taking the three points as well but Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka scored a goal and provided two assists to lead the home side to a 3-1 comeback win.
Hence, on that note, here are the three standout performers from Southampton in their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
3 standout performers from Southampton's 3-1 away defeat to Arsenal
Cameron Archer
Since making his first Premier League start for Southampton against Manchester United, Archer has had a disappointing few weeks due to his finishing struggles. The former Aston Villa forward missed a huge penalty against the Red Devils and couldn't double Southampton's lead against Ipswich Town with two underwhelming attempts on goal from inside the box.
Archer was subsequently used as a substitute against Bournemouth and against Arsenal as well. Coming on for the injured Ross Stewart, Archer displayed more composure inside the final third and timed his run to perfection from Mateus Fernandes's through ball and scored with a brilliant bottom corner finish.
Archer's goal gave Southampton a surprise momentum in the second half but the Saints made a few mistakes and couldn't hold on to their lead in the 3-1 defeat.