Southampton beats Arsenal 1-0 in the Premier League

Jan Bednarek fired Southampton to a memorable 1-0 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Bednarek made it 1-0 against the run of play when he volleyed in Mohammed Elyounoussi’s cutback after the winger did well to keep the ball from going into touch.

The Polish international’s shot beat Aaron Ramsdale for pace and power, with the goalkeeper only able to get an arm on the ball before it hit the back of the net.

Arsenal was unable to take advantage of the early result, which saw rivals Tottenham defeated by Brighton Hove & Albion’s 90th-minute winner.

The Gunners remained three points adrift of the Champions League places, despite making the better start of the two sides at St Mary’s Stadium.

Fraser Forster was called into action early with a sprawling save when he denied Gabriel Martinelli from the edge of the box.

Forster then made an even better to prevent Bukayo Saka from an opening goal in the 17th minute. Saka was on his weaker foot, but still managed a dangerous effort on target after splendid build-up play saw Martinelli make an incisive cross across the face of goal.

Bednarek, who had been left on the floor earlier in the match after a collision with an Arsenal player, stepped up to Saints ahead on the stroke of half-time, connecting with Elyounoussi.

Forster continued to be strong in goal and he kept Southampton ahead with two late saves, the first coming against Emile Smith Rowe before another diving stop denied Granit Xaka in the 85th minute.

The full-time whistle earned Southampton their first Premier League win over Arsenal since 2018 and lifted them into 11th place on 39 points from 32 games.

Southampton (3-4-3): Forster; Bednarek, Lyanco, Valery; Perraud, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Walker-Peters; Elyounoussi (Livramento 90+2), S. Armstrong (Redmond 82), Broja (Long 74)

Unused subs: Caballero (GK), Stephens, Adams, Salisu, A. Armstrong, Tella

Goals: Bednarek (44)

Bookings: Broja (56), Long (90+5)

Arsenal (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Tavares (Pepe 70), Gabriel, White, Cedric (Smith Rowe 60); Xhaka, Lokonga, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Unused subs: Leno (GK) Elneny, Hutchinson, Swanson, Holding, Ogungbo, Azeez

Goals: None

Bookings: White (90+1)