Premier League leader Arsenal held by Southampton, Newcastle up to fourth

LONDON: Granit Xhaka scored a superb early goal but Premier League leader Arsenal was held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Sunday as Stuart Armstrong netted a deserved second-half equalizer for the home side.

The result moved Arsenal to 28 points from 11 games, two ahead of second-placed Manchester City, while Southampton are 15th with 12 points from 12 games.

The visitor looked untouchable in the opening 15 minutes as they launched wave after wave of attacks on the home goal and were rewarded with an excellent opener from Xhaka, who also netted its winner in the midweek Europa League win over PSV Eindhoven.

Bukayo Saka's flick set right-back Ben White away down the right flank and his cross was thundered into the roof of the net by Xhaka.

The Swiss international had not scored any goals with his right foot in his first 263 games for the North London club, but now has two in his last two games.

"We started well and we should have scored more but we're only human and it's tricky," White said, adding that they were disappointed with their second-half showing.

"We were sloppy in possession, we didn't win duels. It was the opposite to the first half."

Arsenal are at home to Nottingham Forest next Sunday, while Southampton travels to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Agencies

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