Arsenal are in desperate need of a boost to their Premier League title aspirations or risk capitulation heading into the final few weeks of the season. The Gunners had recorded back-to-back draws in the division after letting two-goal leads slip against both Liverpool and West Ham.
The next match came at the Emirates Stadium against bottom of the league Southampton, which offered an opportunity to return to winning ways. That script wasn't read by the Saints though, who showed up to spoil the party as just 27 seconds in as Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on a mistake to put the away side ahead.
That lead was soon doubled by Theo Walcott, who refused to celebrate in front of his old home crowd, despite the crucial finish. Gabriel Martinelli pulled a goal back before half-time, but Duje Caleta-Car's free header after the break saw the two-goal lead restored for the visitors.
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Plenty of changes were made in looking to make a comeback and they did just that as Martin Odegaard's curled effort from range brought the side within touching distance. Bukayo Saka then drew the game level with a huge goal, but a vital fourth goal went begging as they settled for a draw.
It means that Arsenal hold a five point lead over Manchester City, though their rivals have two games in hand as well as the head-to-head in the coming days. Many were rocked by the result, left dejected on the pitch as their title hopes hang in the balance for the time being.
Not many took to social media in the aftermath, though substitute Leandro Trossard did post on Instagram, saying: "We came close. Frustrating night but we keep fighting." Reiss Nelson was another, who posted an image looking frustrated, with the caption being butterfly emojis.
It remains to be seen how the side will bounce back from such a result, especially against their biggest challengers, but things still remain in their hands as it stands.
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