Saka magic as Arsenal win
Bukayo Saka scored one and made one as Arsenal came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League.
The match
In an eventful start to the game, Alexandre Lacazette was denied by Alex McCarthy when through on goal in the opening minute.
Southampton then went ahead in the third minute with an excellently timed half volley by Stuart Armstrong from a pinpoint James Ward-Prowse corner.
The visitors equalised just five minutes later when Nicolas Pepe ran onto Granit Xhaka’s through ball and slotted a shot into the corner.
Arsenal’s boy wonder Bukayo Saka put Arsenal in front six minutes before the break. Lacazette guided a pass on for Saka to chase, and he rounded the onrushing McCarthy to then place the ball into the empty net.
The England winger then teed up Lacazette to seal victory in the 72nd minute after a brilliant switch of play from Cedric to find Saka.
Stats
Saka has scored four goals in his past six Premier League games. Mikel Arteta’ side have taken 16 points from their last 18 and are up to eighth with the win, five points off a top four place.
Southampton have won just one of their last seven league games and have dropped to 11th in the table.
Soucek scores two as West Ham go fourth
Tomas Soucek scored a brace as West Ham moved up to fourth in the table with a 3-2 win against Crystal Palace.
David Moyes’ side have won their last six matches in all competitions.
Wilfried Zaha gave the hosts the lead but two goals from the Czech midfielder and one from defender Craig Dawson helped the Hammers record another win.
Michy Batshuayi scored a consolation for Palace, but they have won just once in their last 10 games. West Ham have 35 points from 20 games.
Leeds edge past Newcastle
Elsewhere Leeds added to Steve Bruce’s misery with a 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
Jack Harrison’s superb left footed strike was the difference between the two sides, after Miguel Almiron’s goal cancelled out an opener by Raphinha.
It is Newcastle’s fifth defeat in a row in the Premier League, while taking just two points from their last 27. Bruce’s side have not won in 11 games in all competitions.
The Mapgies are seven points clear of Fulham in 18th, but the London club have two games in hand.
Leeds are up to 12th with 26 points after their first win of 2021.
Featured image: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium. (Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images)
